As you've figured out by now, writing improves with time (like wine). I supply the tools and the strategies (the wine press), but to make a vintage year, YOU have to do the work. But, unlike math, physics, etc., there's no secret formula or magic equation. It just takes effort over time. Portfolio grading allows you to demonstrate your maturing writing skills. Please take these revisions seriously. They represent, in a sense your mid-term; however, they also give you they opportunity to "strut your stuff" and/or remedy inconsistency in your work. So, spend one hour a day for the next week revising your portfolios.

I will change grades if a journal/paper demonstrates substantial REVISION of small and big writing skills. So, read comments carefully. For example, if you paper/journal had major organizational problems and a few typos but you only run spell check, then do not expect a new grade. Furthermore, if you originally submitted the work late, that penalty still applies to the new grade. That's only fair to those who submit work on time

Revision Process: Consult all the worksheets I've given you (you will find copies on the web page under "draft workshop." Review the pages assigned in H & L (the blue writing guide). See reverse for skills you should show competency in at this point.

I will NOT accept any late portfolios. Spring break starts at 5 p.m. on Friday. So, come to class with your thinking cap and your portfolio.

Format: Please put all graded journals and papers (no drafts necessary) in your portfolio. Add a divider between those you want me to re-grade and those you do not want re-graded. Arrange in the order shown below and fill in "first grade" and "my goal."

Demonstrate your competency of the following skills which we covered in class and for which you have been assigned (see syllabus!) corresponding pages in the small, blue H & L writing handbook.
 

WHERE TO LOOK		SKILL
• H & L: 37-40;  • Dr. De Rosa's handout • comments on your graded papers	• strong argumentative thesis statements
• H & L: 594-595;  • Dr. De Rosa's handout • comments on your graded papers	• argumentative content rather than plot summary
• Dr. De Rosa's handout • comments on your graded papers	• effective use of evidence
• Dr. De Rosa's handout • comments on your graded papers	• organization from least to most important point
• H & L: 174 (a list) • comments on your graded papers	• transitions
• H & L: 72-75, 74 (#s 4-7); 168-188 • Dr. De Rosa's handouts • comments on your graded papers	• paragraphing
• H & L: 192-195; 295-302 • comments on your graded papers	• diction, tone, and compound sentences
• H & L: 87-94, 216-218 • style checklist  • PM video • comments on your graded papers	• basic style revisions; reducing wordiness
• H & L: 535-542; 596-98 • comments on your graded papers	• avoiding plagiarism, attributive tags, and MLA documentation
• Dr. De Rosa's handouts • comments on your graded papers		• zippy titles