Standard 6, Writing

Standard 6, Writing: English Language Conventions

Students write using Standard English conventions.

Grammar and Mechanics of Writing

10.6.1
Identify and correctly use clauses, both main and subordinate; phrases, including gerund, infinitive, and participial; and the mechanics of punctuation, such as semicolons, colons, ellipses, and hyphens.

10.6.2
Demonstrate an understanding of sentence construction, including parallel structure, subordination, and the proper placement of modifiers, and proper English usage, including the use of consistent verb tenses.

Manuscript Form

10.6.3
Produce legible work that shows accurate spelling and correct use of the conventions of punctuation and capitalization.

10.6.4
Apply appropriate manuscript conventions — including title page presentation, pagination, spacing, and margins — and integration of source and support material by citing sources within the text, using direct quotations, and paraphrasing.

Daily Agenda 10/20

Today, we accomplished...

• finished meeting with groups to discuss topics / outlines / rough drafts
• worked individually on rough drafts
• remember, rough drafts should be double spaced and include a title page, the essay, and a works cited page

Format of Formal Writings

Use a Heading/Title Page
For formal writings, you’ll need to include a title for your paper (something academically serious and appropriate for your subject matter) and the MLA heading on a separate title page. The title page should be double-spaced and use the same font and size as the rest of the paper.

General
For formal writing, unless otherwise noted, you’ll need to type your paper. It should use Times New Roman font, 12 point size ONLY. You should double-space the ENTIRE paper, including the title page and works cited page, if required. Since most papers require multiple drafts, I will not grade first drafts (or subsequent drafts) not following these simple criteria. If you do not know how to do these things on the computer, learn soon. Your first paper will be due in a couple weeks.

Spelling and Grammar
Simple spelling errors are critical in a formal essay. Simple fix: proofread your paper. In fact, I suggest you read your paper ALOUD to yourself and/or anyone who will listen. I guarantee you will find most of your errors this way. My job is not to re-teach you the English language; make sure your paper is fluent.

Word Count
After typing your paper, highlight the paragraphs ONLY (not the title page or works cited page) and go to Tools and Word Count. After the last word of your last paragraph, tab once, and include the number of words. Most of your formal writings will have a requirement for words. Word total makes up a percent of your total grade for a paper.

For example, let’s pretend you must write a 300 word essay on a topic of your choice. The essay is worth 100 points, but word count makes up 20 points. You only wrote 214 words.

214/300 = 71% -- You met the required word amount by 71%.

.71 X 20 points = 14 points -- 71% of 20 points is 14. You earned 14/20 points for word count.

Binders, Combs, and Happy Folders
As we get to know each other more, you’ll learn that I really enjoy happy, colorful décor. Folders and smilies and butterflies and sunshines are all wonderful things. But not for “formal writing.” Save your money. I just want one simple staple in the left-hand corner. If you have any drafts I’d like them stapled under the final copies. That’s it. Plastic sleeves, clips, fancy folders – they’re all unnecessary. Really. I appreciate the gesture, but it won’t affect your grade.

Works Cited
There is a difference between a works cited page and a bibliography. Look at the section MLA section to learn more about this. In the meantime, know that if the assignment requires a works cited page, you only include the sources you actually CITED in your paper. P.S. Cited means “quoted” or paraphrased.