This is a list of problems I usually come across when grading written work (and that lower your grade), along with some advice about how to solve them. Please read this before handing in your written work, so that you can write better and I can give you a good grade.
1. Communicate using Standard English. Any written work using texting slang, jargon, lingo, etc. will not be accepted.
2. Correctly spell and use the appropriate forms of words. Also, please do not abbreviate words (i.e. thru or info).
A lot: I see a lot of snow (never alot) | Since≠ because: I’ve been a redhead since I got divorced; The pool is closed because it’s thundering. | Principal ≠ principle: She was named a principal partner in the firm; He refused to do it on principle. |
Who ≠ whom: Who said that?; To whom should I address this? | Phase, faze: Oh, he’s just going through a phase; Christine was not fazed in the least. | Moot ≠ mute: It’s a moot point now; I was mute with surprise. |
than ≠ then: Then is used in reference to time. Than is used when making comparisons. Then we left the arena, rather than wait for the end of the game. | affect ≠ effect: Affect is usually a verb, and effect is a usually a noun. | roll ≠ role |
beliefs ≠ believes | through ≠ threw | countries ≠ country’s |
piece ≠ peace | their ≠ there ≠ they’re They’re going to the store; It is their problem; Don’t stand there. |
your ≠ you’re I like your purse; You’re very funny. |
Two ≠ too ≠ to Two children played; I want to go, too; She drove to the mall. |
Weather ≠ whether: The weather is so unpredictable; I’m not sure whether I want pancakes or waffles. |
Loose ≠ lose My belt is loose; Don’t lose your backpack! |
3. Begin each sentence with a capital letter and end with proper punctuation.
4. The titles of books, movies, and artworks should be italicized. The titles of articles should be in “quotes.”
5. Write complete sentences that are clearly worded, not garbled and confusing. Do not use fragments, comma splices or run-on sentences.
6. Avoid glaring grammatical errors. Look up the grammar rules if you do not remember the appropriate usage. Seek help in the writing center, or a grammar handbook such as the Purdue OWL. Grades will suffer because of spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and capitalization errors.
7. When preparing a paper, create a thesis sentence that states the main idea of the essay or a topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph. Make sure to close with a strong conclusion that wraps up all your ideas.
8. Organize the major supporting ideas and information so that the reader can follow.
9.Before you submit your responses/writings, please re-read them out-loud (preferably to another human being) to edit spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
10. Also, I cannot emphasize enough how helpful the writing center is! Contact them atwriting_center@wvwc.edu
11. Wikipedia is never a valid source for research. It might lead you to other valid sources, but it by itself is not a valid source.
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