Writing Expectations

                           WRITING EXPECTATIONS 

Writing for all students will be assessed using the following traits:
      •	Organization - the internal structure of a piece of writing.
      •	Ideas and Content – the ideas and support used to respond to the 
        assignment or prompt.
      •	Style - both sentence structure and variety and vocabulary use.
      •	Writing conventions - the mechanical correctness of a piece of 
        writing, including spelling, paragraphing, grammar and usage, 
        capitalization, and punctuation.
      •	Attention to detail – including following directions, careful
        editing, and formatting.

The expectations may vary slightly for each assignment.  Students at each 
level are expected to demonstrate work to the best of their ability and to 
strive for improvement.

Prior to each assignment, students will receive a specific rubric, detailing 
the expectations and their point values.  For example: Following directions 
might be worth 5 points; organization 20 points; content 35 points; YKB 
errors 10 points; conventions 20 points; style 10 points.  

               HONORS students are expected to: 

1.  - answer all aspects of a prompt in a sophisticated and original manner.
2.  – follow the essay format detailed in class, including a well written
    introduction (thesis paragraph), at least 3 supporting paragraphs, and 
    an appropriate conclusion.
3.  – have a well-written, three part, thesis statement which indicates a 
    position and clearly defines the path the essay will take.
4.  – provide substantial, well-chosen, specific and accurate support.
5.  – use correct and varied sentence structure, appropriate and 
    sophisticated vocabulary, and correct grammatical usage, spelling, 
    capitalization, and punctuation.  Expectations will increase as more 
    sophisticated language development is emphasized throughout the semester.
6.  – avoid all “You Know Better” errors. These “YKB” errors will be 
    demonstrated throughout the semester, and include previously learned 
    writing skills for which students will be held accountable. Students   
    will have a list of these errors in their writing notebooks.
7.  – follow all directions of the assignment, including process writing
    steps, proper length, due date, and neatness.

                COLLEGE PREP students are expected to:

1.  – answer all aspects of the prompt in an appropriate manner.
2.  – follow the essay format detailed in class, including a well written
    introduction (thesis paragraph), at least 3 supporting paragraphs, and 
    an appropriate conclusion.
3.  – have a three part thesis statement which indicates the path the essay
    will take.
4.  – provide specific and accurate support.
5.  – use correct and varied sentence structure, appropriate vocabulary, and
    correct grammatical usage, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.  
    Expectations will increase throughout the semester.
6.  – have few if any “You Know Better” errors. These errors will be 
    demonstrated throughout the semester, and include: there, their, they’re
    errors; its, it’s; BUT to begin a sentence, etc. Students will have a 
    list of the YKB errors in their writing notebooks.
7.  – follow all directions of the assignment, including process writing
    steps, proper length, due date, and neatness.

                STANDARD students are expected to:

1.  – answer all aspects of the prompt adequately.
2.  – attempt to follow the essay format detailed in class, including an
    introduction (thesis paragraph), 3 supporting paragraphs, and a 
    conclusion.
3.  – attempt to incorporate an appropriate three part thesis statement. 
4.  – provide adequate supporting details.
5.  – use correct sentence structure, vocabulary, grammar, spelling,
    capitalization, and punctuation.  While occasional errors may occur, 
    students are expected to show significant improvement throughout the 
    semester.
6.  – have few “You Know Better” errors. These errors will be demonstrated 
    throughout the semester, and include: there, their, they’re errors; its, 
    it’s; BUT to begin a sentence, etc. Students will have a list of the YKB 
    errors in their writing notebooks.
7.  – follow all directions of the assignment, including process writing 
    steps, proper length, due date, and neatness.

These expecatations are high, but I know that with effort all students will 
be able to achieve success in writing.