Comment on Homework: “Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable”

Marks ranged from NM (or no mark, for those who need to redo) to a high of 8.5. All marks are out of 10 as is my custom. These marks count towards your writing marks, of course, but completing on time in correct form is also noted.

Of primary importance to me is the answer to the question, “Why?” In other words, your reason for choosing a student comment to discuss is as important as your choice of that comment. These reasons (they may be multiple) form the basis for a strong topic sentence. Most of you know that, but some still like to give me a wide introduction-like opening that, for the most part, gives me no new information (and, frankly, these are really boring to read!).

Thus, marks are gained for the effort you have taken to read carefully and comment on what was found at the blog. Weaker answers tended to be filled up with quotations that had no clear answer to say why exactly the student had chosen to include them. This is the classic “padding” or “hot air” approach to homework. Doing that will lower your mark every time.

Structural issues often lowered marks as well. Examples include: no topic sentence (or an unclear, overly general one); no clear concluding sentence; lack of effective transitions among ideas; boring or repetitive sentence structures. For now, I did not make any penalty for improper or sloppy inclusion of quotations. Later on, we will study this skill in more detail.

Some of you lost marks for not following directions (reread my “Expectations” on the course outline please). These marks are the ones that each student can easily preserve. For example, overwriting (by, in some cases, 2X the requirement) lead to a one mark deduction. I also deducted one mark for handwritten submissions. Word count omission cost students half a mark. About 30% of you did not provide full information as requested (name, id number, date), but I did not make a penalty this time. Next time I will.

Finally, some of you are clearly more intelligent and mature than others. I take that into account, expecting less of those who have had less than half the time as others to develop a mature outlook and judgement. That said, if you have lived a long time, I do expect a bit more from you. Your guidance and perspective can help the younger ones to excel. Younger students can bring fresh energy, an understanding of modern technologies and can also help open older students’ eyes to the fact that you face a world of increasing (and increasingly scary) complexity at the beginning of your life.

I’m quite excited to begin serious work with my English classes this term. To all of you: remember that a first assignment carries less weight than others later in the term. You still have plenty of time for improvement and much to learn!

NOTE: Your assignment for "Here I Am" is still here--look at the post below.