English 104 students,
Your grade in this writing assignment is based on your ability to address the following writing task:
Writing Assignment 1: Comparing Writing Processes
Richard Marius, in his article on “Writing Drafts” on page 91-94 of your textbook, presents his ideas toward writing. Read his article to pin down as precisely as you can what his ideas are. Your assignment is to write a short comparison (emphasizing similarity) and/or contrast (emphasizing difference) between your writing processes and those proposed by Marius.
When comparing your own writing processes, consider how you have approached your writing assignments in English 102A and 103A. Formulate your judgment (often called a thesis statement) as an introductory sentence that announces the basis of your comparison and/or contrast. Or, if your judgment falls somewhere between comparison and contrast, you can frame your introductory sentence to reflect that complexity. Support your judgment with enough reasons to make a persuasive case for similarity and/or difference.
Shoot for 2-3 pages.
Write this in narrative form, not bulleted, and coherently organize your ideas around a central theme.
I am using this rubric to grade your essay.
(Superior): 90-100
1 addresses the topic clearly and responds effectively to all aspects of the task;
2 explores the issues thoughtfully and in depth;
3 is coherently and logically organized, with ideas supported by apt reasons and well-chosen examples;
4 is generally free from errors in mechanics, usage, and sentence structure.
(Strong): 80-89
1 clearly addresses the topic, but may respond to some aspects of the task more effectively than others;
2 shows some depth and complexity of thought;
3 is well-organized and developed with appropriate reasons and examples;
4 displays syntactic variety and facility in the use of language;
5 may have a few errors in mechanics, usage, and sentence structure.
(Adequate): 70-79
1 addresses the topic, but may slight some aspects of the task;
2 may treat the topic simplistically or repetitively;
3 is adequately organized and developed, generally supporting ideas with reasons and examples;
4 displays adequate facility with syntax and language;
5 may have some errors, but generally demonstrates control of mechanics, usage, and sentence structure.
(Inadequate): 60-69 An essay in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses:
1 distorts or neglects aspects of the task
2 includes an incomplete portolio, missing some of the following: draft one and self-assessment notes, draft two and peer reviews (two readers), and draft three and editing notes;
3 lacks focus, or demonstrates confused or simplistic thinking;
4 is poorly organized or developed;
5 does not provide adequate or appropriate details to support generalizations, or provides details without generalizations;
6 has problems with or avoids syntactic variety;
7 has an accumulation of errors in mechanics, usage, and sentence structure.
(Incoherent): 50-59 An essay in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses:
1 indicates confusion about the topic or neglects important aspects of the task;
2 includes an incomplete portolio, missing some of the following: draft one and self-assessment notes, draft two and peer reviews (two readers), and draft three and editing notes;
3 lacks focus and coherence, or often fails to communicate its ideas;
4 has very weak organization, too little development;
5 provides simplistic generalizations without support;
6 has inadequate sentence control and a limited vocabulary;
7 has numerous errors in mechanics, usage, and sentence structure.