Assignment Description: For this assignment, you will re-read your major research paper (the one submitted last week) and write a critique of it following these guidelines:
Using the specific aspects of development, organization, style/voice, and mechanics described in the English 102/271 Writing Rubric as your guide, as well as the successful models of this assignment on this example page, illustrate in 2-4 paragraphs the strengths of your major research paper. Make sure to use specifics from the paper as support. In other words, weave in details, passages, content, quotes, structural comments, and so on from your paper as support for the specific strengths you mention.
For example, if you indicate that your paper shows good integration of source material, show specific passages in the paper where this integration is occurring by paraphrasing or quoting them.
Do not concern yourself with problem areas or weaknesses in this assignment. [That's the instructor's job, right? :)] Describe the skills you are good at, then give support from your paper indicating proof of these skills.
Don't dwell on the obvious. For example, you don't need extensive proof to show that you successfully followed MLA documentation format. If you find yourself with a lot to say, you may limit your analysis to development and organization only.
Here is a page showing successful and not-so-successful
self-evaluation exercises from a previous Eng 102 on-line. This is required
reading so that you know what is expected.
It is not necessary--and in fact it would create bad style and shallow
development--to crank through the entire list of skills in the English
102/271 Writing Criteria Rubric and address each one in list or lock-step
fashion. You do not need to mention all of the skill strands listed in
the criteria. For most of you, the best strategy will be to pick 2-3 skill
areas to emphasize--your greatest or most interesting strengths--and develop
them well.
Please note that to avoid interference the instructor will not send
your evaluated paper back until you have submitted this assignment.
Purpose: This exercise helps develop skills and give practice in self-directed
writing, general analysis skills, and mini-essay composition.
Criteria: The composition should show excellent development
on the level indicated in the two successful models
(#1 and #3 on the example page). It should show adequate organization and good
control of mechanics. It should also demonstrate the ability to prioritize and
focus on key points, and to use language efficiently to support these points.
It should be between 2-4 paragraphs in length (maximum: 300 words).
How to submit: Course message in body of message or as attachment