[revised 10.09.06]

Final Draft (FD) Grades, Comments, Revisions, etc.

 

I just received my FD1 and don't understand what the scores mean. What's my grade for the paper?

 

To interpret your scores, go to our class webpage, click on your class syllabus, and click on "Policies for Scores, Grades, Papers, etc."

 

I reviewed the errors that you indicated in my FD. Do I need to revise and submit a revision that eliminates these errors?

 

Yes and no. I won't have time to review the revisions. However, since I'll have copies of all of your returned FDs, I'll have a record of problems. I consult these earlier copies when I'm reviewing your subsequent FDs. When problems persist, I'll know that you either don't understand my comments or are choosing to ignore my suggestions. Thus, to answer your question, yes, you should definitely make it a point to revise your FDs. However, this is for your own benefit. And, no, don't submit the revised FD since I'll be able to compare your latest FD with previous FDs to determine if you've addressed the problems I've indicated.

 

I don't understand the comments on my paper. What do the levels I, II, III, and IV mean?

 

Four Levels of Errors

 

Error Level I: These are procedural errors (i.e., failure to follow directions) covered in the "Checklists for All Drafts" on our class webpage, including failure to follow the prescribed manuscript formats, to append peer comments, to label the thesis statement, to attach readable drafts in WB, etc. This level also includes failure to meet the criteria or requirements for an assignment. Be sure to carefully read the guidelines for every paper. After the first paper, you are expected to submit drafts with a minimal amount of level I problems.

 

Error Level II: These are grammar and spelling errors. (See the lists below.) Included at this level are the AIP (Avoid If Possible) style errors. You will be expected to pay close attention to the types of errors I've indicated in your FDs, and in each successive draft, you will be expected to greatly reduce or eliminate them. For example, if I've marked "7" (comma) and "5" (run-on) errors in your FD1, I'll expect fewer 7 and 5 problems in FD2 – and even fewer in FD3, FD4, etc. If you're making progress in reducing or eliminating these errors, you will not be penalized. If you need help, be sure to let me know.

 

Error Level III: These are errors of development, including focus, unity, coherence, and support. Each paper must be built around a specific thesis, and the body paragraphs must support and develop the thesis. Included at this level are patterns and methods of development: description, figurative language, summary, argumentation, comparison-contrast, persuasion, logic, discussion, analysis, narration, definition, cause-effect, persona, etc. In each paper, we'll be emphasizing one or more of these patterns. This level will be given the most attention in this class. (Note: In English 215, the primary emphasis will be on persuasion, argumentation, support, evidence, analysis, logic, style, and level IV considerations.)

 

Error Level IV: These are documentation errors. We'll be using the MLA documentation style for quoting and citing sources. In our research paper, you'll be expected to demonstrate skill in applying the MLA style, e.g., parenthetical references, works-cited lists, etc. For online help with MLA, see the help files listed under "MLA: Research Writing" on our class webpage.

 

I don't see any of your comments in the body of my FD3-5. Why is that?

 

At the top of your returned FD1, you'll see the following note:

 

Reminder: In FD1 and FD2, I'll include extensive comments throughout your paper. In FD3-FD5, my comments will be restricted to the top portion of the paper. Thus, I'll be returning, via email, only the top portion of the first page of your FD3-5. In my remarks for FD1-2, I'll be pointing out, specifically, the types of errors that you need to work on. Study them and learn to avoid them in future papers.

 

After the first two papers, I'll expect you to identify and revise the types of problems I mention in my comments at the top of your paper. This practice will give you the opportunity to demonstrate full understanding of the problems and the ability to apply effective revisions.