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- What materials do I need for this class?
- How do I get a good grade in this class?
- How is my writing graded?
- How do I check my grade? What if I disagree with my grade?
- What about turning in homework?
- What happens if I turn in work late?
What materials do I need for this class?
1. 3-ring binder with dividers and straight-edged paper
2. Sharpened pencils (2-3) #2 pencils work the best
3. Black ink pens
4. PRIDE book
5. Text book as needed
6. Reading Book
How do I get a good grade in this class?
The best way to get an excellent grade in this class is to turn work in on
time and complete. Most people who struggle in 9th grade English turn work
in late or not at all. Another problem I see is students who wait until the
last minute to do an assignment. Say for example there is a book report
project due. You've had three weeks to read the book and prepare the
project. If you wait until the night the project is due, and then throw it
together at the last moment, it's going to look like you did. Students who
get "A"'s know how to budget their time, and put some effort into their
work. Teachers know the difference!
How is my writing graded?
Essays are graded on the 6+1 scoring rubric used by both the district and the
state. Grades are based on the following areas:
Ideas
The Ideas are the heart of the message, the content of the piece, the main
theme, together with all the details that enrich and develop that theme. The
ideas are strong when the message is clear, not garbled. The writer chooses
details that are interesting, important, and informative–often the kinds of
details the reader would not normally anticipate or predict. Successful
writers do not tell readers things they already know; e.g., "It was a sunny
day, and the sky was blue, the clouds were fluffy white …" They notice what
others overlook, seek out the extraordinary, the unusual, the bits and pieces
of life that others might not see.
Organization
Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of
central meaning, the pattern, so long as it fits the central idea.
Organizational structure can be based on comparison-contrast, deductive
logic, point-by-point analysis, development of a central theme, chronological
history of an event, or any of a dozen other identifiable patterns. When the
organization is strong, the piece begins meaningfully and creates in the
writer a sense of anticipation that is, ultimately, systematically fulfilled.
Events proceed logically; information is given to the reader in the right
doses at the right times so that the reader never loses interest. Connections
are strong, which is another way of saying that bridges from one idea to the
next hold up. The piece closes with a sense of resolution, tying up loose
ends, bringing things to closure, answering important questions while still
leaving the reader something to think about.
Voice
The Voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real
person is speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and
soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath.
When the writer is engaged personally with the topic, he/she imparts a
personal tone and flavor to the piece that is unmistakably his/hers alone.
And it is that individual something–different from the mark of all other
writers–that we call voice.
Word Choice
Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates
not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the
reader. In good descriptive writing, strong word choice clarifies and expands
ideas. In persuasive writing, careful word choice moves the reader to a new
vision of things. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an
exceptional vocabulary that impresses the reader, but more by the skill to
use everyday words well.
Sentence Fluency
Sentence Fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word
patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye.
How does it sound when read aloud? That's the test. Fluent writing has
cadence, power, rhythm, and movement. It is free of awkward word patterns
that slow the reader's progress. Sentences vary in length and style, and are
so well crafted that the writer moves through the piece with ease.
Conventions
Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece–spelling, grammar and
usage, paragraphing (indenting at the appropriate spots), use of capitals,
and punctuation. Writing that is strong in conventions has been proofread and
edited with care. Handwriting and neatness are not part of this trait. Since
this trait has so many pieces to it, it's almost a holistic trait within an
analytic system. As you assess a piece for convention, ask yourself: "How
much work would a copy editor need to do to prepare the piece for
publication?" This will keep all of the elements in conventions equally in
play. Conventions is the only trait where we make specific grade level
accommodations.
Presentation
Presentation combines both visual and verbal elements. It is the way
we "exhibit" our message on paper. Even if our ideas, words, and sentences
are vivid, precise, and well constructed, the piece will not be inviting to
read unless the guidelines of presentation are present. Think about examples
of text and presentation in your environment. Which signs and billboards
attract your attention? Why do you reach for one CD over another? All great
writers are aware of the necessity of presentation, particularly technical
writers who must include graphs, maps, and visual instructions along with
their text.
-Presentation: the way we exhibit the message on paper. This means using
correct guidlines for the final copy. Papers should be typed, or in black
ink on one side of the paper and double spaced.
All of these elements are considered when I grade your papers. We'll go
through each area as the year progresses.
How do I check my grade? What if I disagree with my grade?
Grades are posted at the back of the room starting with the 3rd week of the
term, and updated once a week afterwards. A four digit number will be used
for each student. Find your number, and you'll see your current points,
percentage, and grade.
If you think the grade is wrong, come and see me and we will check my
grade book together. Be sure that when you turn in your work, you turn it in
directly to me, and watch me check it off in my grade book. Once you have
done that your job is over. Every year there are students who claim I
have "lost" their papers. As long as your paper is checked off in my book,
you are in good shape, I'll give you the grade. However, if you did not give
the work directly to me, and it is not checked off in my book, I cannot give
you credit for it, and you will have to do it again.
What about turning in homework?
Homework should be turned in on time for full credit. When homework is due,
have it lying on top of your desk so I can check it as I stamp. 80% of
homework must be attempted or an H goes in your PRIDE book. For example, if
you have been assigned ten Lit. questions, you need to have at least 8 of
them done to avoid an H.
What happens if I turn in work late?
For unexcused, late homework. 50% is lost for one day late. A zero is
recorded after two unexcused days.
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