WRITING

In this section students will find some helpful hints on the various kinds of writing that we do in class.  Because real-life writing situations provide a wide variety of audiences, we will try to do several kinds of writing in British literature during the year aimed at different audiences. These will range from editorial and  letter writing in preparation for the HSPA, to formal, in-class essay tests on outside reading and culminate with the spring extravaganza known as the research paper.  For each assignment students will receive a written instruction sheet and, for several during the year, they will also receive a grading rubric at the time the assignment is given.  This rubric will show exactly what elements of the writing process will be assessed on that particular assignment.

At Ridge High School we teach the writing process.  This means that students will use several steps to arrive at a version to be turned in for evaluation.  Prewriting may include one or all of the following steps: brainstorming as a class, in small groups or with the teacher, followed by construction of a list, a graphic organizer or an outline.  From these, students create a rough draft, edit and produce a clean draft to be evaluated.  At times there will be class periods devoted to peer editing and revision as well.

Since all major essays (those counting as a test) are typed, students should save a copy for their own files.

It is not my policy to allow rewriting of papers which have already received a grade, but I am available for writing conferences at any time in the writing process before the paper is turned in for a grade and also afterwards to explain the comments and evaluation.  Frequently, I will request that students  make an appointment for a writing conference so that we can work together one-on-one.  I am available at 7:00 AM daily as well as during my tutorial period and after school by mutual arrangement. To focus these sessions, I request that students come with two specific areas which they would like to discuss.
 

Active and Passive Voice by John Horbacz
Interactive Grammar Site
The Elements of Style by Strunk
Answering the essay question
Apt Phrase Plagiarism
Writing Introductions and Conclusions
MLA Style
MLA format examples

 

[Main]