First, this post will tell you the general parameters that apply to the formal writing you will complete in this course (take home essays, in class essays, and creative writing portfolios). Specific qualifiers concerning style, length, and format will be given with each particular assignment. Think of what you read here as larger context for all formal writing assignments.
Second, you'll notice that I circle your errors. Generally, I expect that you will know whether it is a spelling or punctuation error. I will often suggest a punctuator in its stead. I will generally mark where your piece stands out (for good reasons...or otherwise). Perhaps your imagery is particularly good in a given paragraph or your word choice in a given sentence...or perhaps your thesis is too weak. You will see short notes in the left margin. If you repeat a word or phrase in an unhelpful way, I will circle them and draw lines that connects them. Please read those comments. Do you understand what I'm noting? Visit me during advisory so that I can go over your essay, explain my marks in more detail, and give you strategies to improve your writing. Please visit.
I do my best to adhere to the traditional grade scores: A is excellent, B is good, C is satisfactory, D is poor, and F is a failure. That means that an essay that is complete and on time begins at the C level and proves itself otherwise by its merits or deficiencies. Most lower scoring essays have a mix of persistent punctuation errors (5 or more per page), weak ideas (simple thoughts and a lack of sentence variety), and misused or misspelled vocabulary. The most common mechanics error is comma misuse. Comma misuse will transform otherwise reasonable thoughts into fragments and run-ons in the blink of an evil eye. I count vague thoughts, needless repetition, structural mistakes (such as having no clear thesis), and simplistic diction as essay errors.
Points are generally divided in half between content (your ideas) and grammar. So, a 100 point assignment would receive up to 50 points for addressing the prompt clearly, fully, insightfully, and imaginatively....and up to 50 for grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Each MLA-formatted page of your writing has 23 lines of writing (this counts the heading but not the header). While not absolute, if an essay follows the assignment prompt and guidelines and has evidence of good thought, then
- 1-2 errors on a page will earn an A
- 3-4 on any page will earn a B
- 5-6 errors on any page will earn a C
- 7-8 errors on a page will earn a D
- Papers that are challenging to read due to persistent errors will fail. Papers that do not address the prompt will fail.
FAQ's
May I handwrite my essay? Yes, you may always handwrite your essay unless the guidelines require a typed essay.
May I type my essay? Yes, you may type your essay unless guidelines require a handwritten essay.
What font should I use? Times New Roman, 12 point.
What if I have poor handwriting? May I type an essay that you require to be handwritten? No, you have to handwrite it. You may have to handwrite a number of copies in order to arrive a legible version, but it must be handwritten and it must be legible (unless you are missing hands, etc.). If your handwriting is poor, it's time to tackle it!
What if I fail due to formatting, such as MLA? You will lose 10% on the assignment if it must be returned for formatting.
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