How to be considered for an "A" on (various) Assignments

Doing these things won't guarantee you'll get an "A" on the assignment, but if you don't do them, I guarantee you won't.

How to be considered for an "A" on your Booktalks written assignment (A.P. Seniors):

1) Fully address ALL parts of the assignment, as outlined in the Quarter Final document attached to the "A.P. Senior Literature" page.

2) Put those parts in the same order as they are on the document (e.g. Character Analysis first, followed by Major Scenes, etc. You don't have to start a new page for every section, unless you are at the bottom anyway. Just boldface the section title, and continue. Make it easy for me to read). Put your response to the criticisms AFTER the copies of the criticisms (or parts of criticisms) you provide.

3) Correctly and completely document all your sources. Have a complete and correct Works Cited/Bibliography, including the book you are writing about (most books have many versions and editions) and your sources for criticisms, biographies, history, etc. (Those of you who used Noodletools are really going to appreciate it). This must be the last page. If you don't document sources correctly, there is NO WAY you will earn an "A", despite anything else you do. If you plagiarize, you'll get an "F". Period. End of story.

4) Adhere to the rules of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as sentence and paragraph construction.

5) Format your paper correctly, using MLA format and the Vanden Style Sheet on the Homepage as your guides. Use proper font, color ink, and attach all pages in order, either by stapling or some other secure form. Make it look like a professional document; it is.

6) Turn it in on time. NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED FOR ANY REASON. I recommend printing it out at least a day or two before the due date. You can even bring these printed early versions for me to look at before turning it in for realzies!!!!!

How to be considered for an "A" on Shakespeare Study Guides (All students):

1) Fully answer each question; avoid one word answers or partial responses. Sound intelligent and thoughtful

2) Use the Folger Editions for your reference. Avoid, No Fear, Cliff's Notes, Bookrags, etc. They are often incorrect in their interpretations and paraphrases, and will prevent you from learning how to read a Shakespearean play.

3) Ask me for help when you are unsure about something. The idea of this assignment is to help you become familiar with Shakespeare, and develop your abilities to interpret and understand his works. That won't happen if you merely read others' paraphrasing.

4) Adhere to the rules of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as sentence and paragraph construction.

5) Format your paper correctly, using MLA format and the Vanden Style Sheet on the Homepage as your guides. Use proper font, black ink, and attach all pages in order, either by stapling or some other secure form. Make it look like a professional document; it is.

6) Turn in all parts on time. NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED FOR ANY REASON. I recommend printing them out at least a day or two before the due date. You can even bring these printed early versions for me to look at before turning them in for realzies!!!!!

How to be considered for an "A" on your 9th Grade I Search assignment:

1) Fully address ALL PARTS of the assignment, as outlined in the instructions on the "9th Grade Career I Search" page on the sidebar, and instructions given in class (part of your listening skills).

2) Put those parts in the same order as they are on the instructions. You don't have to start a new page for every section, unless you are at the bottom anyway. Just boldface the section title, and continue. Make it easy for me to read).

3) Correctly and completely document all your sources. Have a complete and correct Works Cited/Bibliography (Those of you who used Noodletools are really going to appreciate it). This must be the last page.

4) Adhere to the rules of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as sentence and paragraph construction.

How to be considered for an "A" on your 9th Grade Independent Reading Logs:

1) Fully address ALL PARTS of the assignment, as outlined in the instructions on the "9th Grade Independent Reading" page.

2) Write clear and thorough entries into your Independent Reading Logs. Each entry should be at least one paragraph, clearly stating, supporting, and developing one idea per paragraph. There are prompts for writing listed in the "Literary Response Journal" document at the bottom of the page. You may use one of these prompts, or simply summarize the reading in your entries.

3) You may use the template document I provided at the bottom of the page, or make your own. Be sure to put the page numbers of the book you read, and keep a running total of all pages read after each entry. Make it clear and easy for me to read.

4) You may type, or use blue or black ink if you write by hand. For this assignment only, you may single space. Otherwise, follow standard MLA format.

5) Adhere to the rules of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as sentence and paragraph construction.

6) Turn in all parts on time. NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED FOR ANY REASON. I recommend printing them out at least a day or two before the due date. You can even bring these printed early versions for me to look at before turning them in for realzies!!!!!

How to be considered for an "A" on a Research Paper (all grades, including college):

1) Follow all instructions and meet all the requirements outlined in the assignment.

2) Turn in all assignments relating to the paper (topic statements, outlines, firstdrafts, etc.) on time, and completed thoroughly. These assignments are meant to prepare you to write the final draft of your paper, and allow you to see the strengths and weaknesses of your project.

3) Document all your sources completely, thoroughly, and correctly, both parenthetically (in-text citations) and in your Works Cited and/or Bibliography page(s). (Those of you who used Noodletools or EZBib are really going to appreciate them). This/these must be the last page(s). If you don't do this part correctly, there is NO WAY you will earn an "A", despite anything else you do. If you plagiarize, you'll get an "F". Period. End of story.

4) Have a clear thesis statement in the introductory paragraph, and develop support for the thesis throughout the paper. Your support should come from your research of credible, academically appropriate sources. Remember, all of your specifics (research, development and support) will be related to the generalization which is your thesis. Ideally, you will not only present the results of your research, but also display original and critical thinking based on your findings.

6) Begin your research before you write, and let the research guide you as you write. Part of your objective in this assignment is to gain expertise on your topic, so it is important you remain open to ideas as you learn more. This means the focus of your research will most likely change constantly. This is what is supposed to happen; don't expect a clean progression of smooth ideas from start to finish. There will be lots of changes, and your approach to your topic will change accordingly. Writing as you research will not only help you complete your assignment, it will also facilitate your thinking and learning.

7) Seek help early and often from me, and be specific in where you need help. Don't come to me with a draft saying, "Can you look at this and tell me what you think?" It's much better for us both if you say something like, "I'm not sure my thesis is clear enough," or, "I'm not sure this paragraph goes here."

8) Turn in all assignments on time. NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED FOR ANY REASON. I recommend printing them out at least a day or two before the due date. You can even bring these printed early versions for me to look at before turning them in for realzies!!!!!