Things to know for this last week....

Due Wednesday, by noon: Your third paper, emailed to me (so that I receive it by the due time).

Due Thursday, in class:

* The pre-work for your third paper.

* If you did one, the revision of your second paper (along with the original and grade sheet).

* For extra-credit, a copy of your best essay, with no name on it (just your perm #), and the Starting Lines entry form (from the back of the book).

It is very important to be in class, so you can get the reading for the Common Final, as well. I cannot email the reading--you have to be in class to get it...

Also, in class, we will discuss tips for taking the common final, based on your practice exams.

Important Paper TWO Information

(PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY)

Nice work Thursday in the workshop--I hope that getting some comments from your classmates helped you all take a step toward the completion of the paper. Please remember that on Tuesday, I will be holding more extended office hours, from 1-2, in our classroom. Cordero will be joining me, so we will be able to help as many people as possible. Remember--my goal is for everyone to jump up a grade on this third paper!

I'd also like to take a moment here to address something that has come to my attention. Through talking with some of you, I have learned that there was some confusion on the second paper, in terms of what I was expecting from you as writers. As you know, the paper was a Comparison/Contrast, where you were to analyze the similarities and differences between two of the Reader articles. However, it seems that there may have been some confusion as time went on.

Now, part of me feels that I did give directions, and repeatedly asked if anyone had questions or was unclear on them, so I assumed that everyone knew what to expect. Also, I hope that everyone remembers--not just for my class, but for all of your classes--that you can always see me with any questions as you work on your drafts. (This is why I offer the "extended" office hours and such). However, I also believe it is the teacher's responsibility to express goals and lessons clearly. If one person gets confused, that's one thing...but if more than two do, say, well, then that's on the teacher.

Therefore, I am doing something highly unusual. I am offering the opportunity to revise your second paper, based on the comments I wrote on the final draft. Please read them carefully, see me (or Cordero) with any questions, and revise appropriately. I will average the grade on the revision with the original grade to create your new grade. For those of you who did very well on the paper already (in the B to A range), you are welcome to revise, as well, to shoot for a "full A."

If you choose to revise, you must turn in the revision, along with the original final draft (with my comments) by the last day of class (12/6), no later. Late revisions will not be accepted.

I am committed to do your success, and don't want there to be any confusion on the goals/requirements of a project. Because of any confusion, I am offering this option--I hope you will take it as an earnest gesture to maximize the potential of your work. Also, I hope this draws attention to the importance of talking with me--or any of your teachers--when there is any confusion. I am here to help, after all!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.