In approaching your written work, I will evaluate the work as if I were a professional editor, applying professional standards. Your writing will be judged by the quality of the lead, use of language, economy of expression, readability, organization of material, and use of transitions. In evaluating the mechanical dimensions of your writing, I will consider spelling, grammar, punctuation, AP style.
Any major factual error (such as the misspelling of a person's name) will result in a failing grade for the assignment. Generally, there will be no rewrites in this course.
All of your written assignments will be graded on a scale of 100. Points will be added or deducted from the scale according to the standards listed below. You may convert your numerical grades to letter grades based on the following scale:
92 and above = A
90-91 = A-
89-88 = B+
82-87 = B
80-81 = B-
79-78 = C+
72-77 = C
70-71 = C-
69-68 = D+
62-67 = D
60-61 = D-
below 60 = F
20 percent: All in-class writing assignments
10 percent: Stylebook, grammar quizzes
10 percent: Midterm exam
10 percent: Restaurant review
10 percent: Personality
profile
10 percent: Slice-of-life story
10 percent: Final project
10 percent: Final exam
During the semester, you will have many mini-conferences with me about your writing. You also will meet with me at least once in my office for a conference. During this conference we will discuss one of your reporting assignments.
I use the following guide for deducting points. Deductions are not limited to this list:
-3 for missing transitions
-3 to -15 for ineffective organization or treatment of material, including but not limited to wordiness, use of jargon, clichés, use of unneeded information, repetition, inappropriate quotes, incorrect word choice, poor leads, burying or missing the lead.
Errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling lead to ineffective communication. Professionals are expected to be masters of those skills.
I will deduct 3 to 5 points for mistakes in grammar and punctuation.
You will lose 15 to 50 points for spelling errors, depending on the word and its importance in the story.
Your score will be reduced 25 to 50 points for a major fact error (for example, misspelling a person's name). Minor fact errors will be penalized 15 points (for example, reversing a number in a street address).
+ or -5 to 10 for thoroughness of story--are there loose ends, holes or unanswered questions; were significant angles developed; were needed details included.
-10 to 20 for legal errors such as libel.
I am available to meet with you or to help you when you need it. Do not hesitate to call my office or my home. But I cannot help you unless YOU ASK FOR HELP.
Please, do not wait until the semester is nearly over before meeting with me. If you have a physical problem or disability that affects your participation in this class, please see me immediately in private so that we can reach a reasonable accommodation.
Office: 530-898-3608
Cell: 352-225-1440
mdblake (at) csuchico.edu
Design © 2006 Matthew Blake