English 101—Dr. Koch (Bob)

PAPER #6

You will be writing this paper during your final examination period. Please employ all that you have learned about composition to tell a true or fictional story. You can tell any story you want, but you should have a reason to tell the story.

You may bring to class an outline of no more than one page but not a draft. I’ll be asking to see your outline, which should consist of words or phrases arranged to show the organizational plan for the essay. A written-out paragraph is not an outline. Any drafts or previously composed paragraphs will be removed from your possession during the examination period and returned to you afterwards. No use of cell phones or other electronic devices will be permitted.

Above the title of the paper you turn in, please write a statement of your purpose in telling the story. The paper should be at least 500 words. It should be written legibly and double-spaced. Please leave at least a one-inch margin for my comments.

Your paper will be graded as follows:

40% on development.

Have you written a clear thesis that you can develop well?

Have you discussed all the points your audience will expect you to discuss?

Have you elaborated on your main points by providing adequate details?

Have you used appropriate methods of development for each paragraph?

Are you sure that everything in the essay supports the thesis?

Have you reasoned well?

Does one idea lead naturally to the next?

10% on interest and depth.

Have you provided your audience new information?

Have you improved your audience’s understanding of your subject matter?

Have you discussed your topic with some depth, going beyond the obvious or superficial?

10% on organization.

Do you have a good introduction, containing your thesis statement, and a satisfying conclusion?

Have you divided your materials logically into paragraphs?

Have you written unified paragraphs?

Have you made the topic of each paragraph clear by writing a topic sentence or by other means?

40% on grammar and style.

Have you written any sentence fragments or comma splices?

Does your paper contain any subject-verb agreement errors?

Have you achieved variety in vocabulary and sentence structure?

Have you selected the words that best express your thoughts?

Have you avoided verbosity and redundancy?

The questions above cover the main points but not everything that might affect your grade.