A Writing Process

For this assignment, you will work through the prewriting and drafting stages of your writing process in a compare/contrast essay. Directions: 1. Review the grading rubric as listed on this page. 2. Choose a writing prompt on the “Compare/Contrast Essay Assignment: Writing Prompt” page. 3. Create a prewriting in the style of your choice for the prompt. Review the prewriting videos on the “My Writing Process: Prewriting and Draft” page if needed. 4. Develop a draft essay according to the following formatting guidelines*: Minimum of 3 typed, double-spaced pages (about 600-750 words), Times New Roman, 12 pt font size MLA formatting (see the “Formatting Style for Papers” page as needed) Submitted as a Microsoft Word doc *Remember: papers that are not formatted correctly throughout– in-text citations, works cited page, general paper format, etc.– can only earn a ‘B’ as the highest possible grade. **Also, remember, any misspelled words and the highest grade you can earn is a ‘C’. Be sure to: Develop your essay by comparison and contrast using the three-points-of analysis scheme Decide on something you care about so that the narration is a means of communicating an idea Include characters, conflict, sensory details as appropriate to help your essay come alive Create a logical sequence for your points of comparison Develop an enticing title Use the introduction to establish the situation the essay will address Avoid addressing the assignment directly (don’t write “I am going to write about…” – this takes the fun out of reading the work!) Let the essay reflect your own voice (Is your voice serious? Humorous? Matter-of-fact?) Avoid “telling” your reader about what happened. Instead, “show” what happens using active verbs and/or concrete and descriptive nouns and details. Make sure you take time to reflect on why your points are significant. 5. Submit your prewriting and draft as a single file upload. *If you developed your prewriting by hand on paper, scan or take a picture of your prewriting, load the image onto your computer, and then insert the image on a separate page after your draft. Grading Rubric: Compare/Contrast Essay Prewriting and Draft Criteria Ratings Point Total: 50 Ideas 15 pts: The paper demonstrates outstanding idea development. 12 pts: The paper demonstrates above average idea development. 11 pts: The writer sufficiently defines the topic, even though development is still basic or general. 9 pts: The paper has an idea that needs to be developed. 0 pts: There is no coherent idea. 15 pts Content   15 pts: The paper demonstrates outstanding evidence of supporting the main point. 12 pts: The paper demonstrates above average evidence of supporting the main point. 11 pts: The paper demonstrates sufficient support of the main point. 9 pts: The paper requires more supporting evidence of the main point. 0 pts: There is little content supporting the main idea. 15 pts Organization   15 pts: The organization is outstanding and showcases the central theme. The presentation of information is compelling. 13 pts: The organizational structure is above average. 10 pts: The organizational structure is strong enough to move the reader through the text without too much confusion. 8 pts: The writing needs a clearer sense of direction. The internal structure is weak. 0 pts: The organization is poor. 15 pts Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions   5 pts: The writer demonstrates an outstanding word choice selection, flow and cadence, with well-built sentences and strong grasp of standard writing conventions. 3 pts: The writer demonstrates above average word choice selection, flow and cadence, with well-built sentences and strong grasp of standard writing conventions. 2 pts: The writer demonstrates sufficient selection of words. The text tends to be more mechanical and contains some errors of standard writing conventions. 1 pts: The writer demonstrates a limited vocabulary and lack of fluidity. Errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, usage and grammar repeatedly distract the reader and make the text difficult to read. 0 pts: No marks.