Because the portfolio approach to writing is based on revision, the classroom instructor will give comments on all essays in four areas--content, structure, style, and mechanics--to assist in future writing. Actual grades may be given in addition.
These comments and grades will be based on the Writing Standards. The four areas of the Writing Standards also will be the basis for a holistic grade on the writing in the portfolio.
The following will serve as guidelines for teaching and evaluating mechanics errors during the semester by either categorical errors or error points. It is expected that either system will produce essays in a revised portfolio that are reasonably free from mechanical errors (2.0).
Categorical. Comments or grades on mechanics may be based on categories:
| Disruptive (Major) Errors | Less Disruptive (Minor) Errors |
| run-on sentences | manuscript format |
| fragments | commas (including comma splice) |
| subject-verb agreement | other minor punctuation |
| wrong words (homonyms and forms of words) | subject/object use |
| MLA format (WRIT 122) | noun-pronoun agreement (person and singular-plural) |
| spelling (including apostrophes) | |
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| MLA format (WRIT 121) |
Error Points. Comments or grades on mechanics may be based on counting error points ("Disruptive Errors" = 2 points; "Less Disruptive Errors" = 1 point). During the semester, 8-10 total points would be considered a 2.0 in Mechanics.
MLA citations require three components: incorporation of borrowed material, parenthetical references, and the Works Cited. Incorporation of borrowed material will come under Style; formatting for parenthetical references and Works Cited will come under Mechanics.
An automatic 0.0 will be given a portfolio that has no internal references or is missing a Works Cited page on any paper that uses/needs documentation.
Return to Writing Standards--WRIT 121
Return to Writing Standards--WRIT 122
Created: 9/3/1997
Revised: 24 Aug 2004
Contact Dan Holt for questions about this page.
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