Writing+Helps


 * Correct Heading** All assignments that you turn in should have the correct heading. This is especially true of writing assignments since the heading counts as part of your grade. When using composition paper, start your heading on the //top line// at the //left margin// with the holes to the left.
 * Name** (first and last), **period**
 * English 7**
 * Date** (spell out month)

Consecutive pages beyond the first one have a heading on the //top line// at the //right margin// containing only last name and page number, no commas, periods, or parentheses. For example: **DeArmitt 2** **Final Copy Conventions** **Scoring Criteria** A scoring rubric is used to grade most of your writing assignments. The rubric is based on the Pennsylvania Writing Assessment Domain Scoring Guide which names five criteria:
 * 1) Use regulation composition paper, not pages torn from a notebook.
 * 2) Use blue or black ink only - no pencils or gel pens.
 * 3) Keep one-inch margins on the left, right, and bottom of the page.
 * 4) Use only one side of the paper.
 * 5) Skip one space after the heading to begin first paragraph.
 * 6) Indent one inch at the beginning of each paragraph. Do not skip spaces between paragraphs.
 * 7) Neatly cross out errors and continue correctly. Do not scribble or white-out errors.
 * 8) Consult a dictionary when dividing words between syllables at the end of the lines.
 * 9) When typing, use one-inch margins, Times New Roman, 12 point, 1.5 spacing, black ink.
 * Focus** - This means that your essay shows an awareness of your task--that you have done what the prompt asked you to do in the way you were asked to do it. Focus is established in the introduction and then maintained throughout the essay.
 * Content** - This means that you have fully developed your ideas in the body of your essay with substantial facts, reasons, examples, and details (FRED).
 * Organization** - This means that your main points follow a logical and consistent order using appropriate transitions and that your essay includes an appropriate conclusion.
 * Style** - This means that your word choice and arrangement of words (sentence structures) follow our style guidelines and create appropriate tone and voice.
 * Conventions** - This means that you have used proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar and that your heading is correct.

**Plagiarism** Plagiarism is a serious issue. NEVER copy and paste text from another source into your paper without acknowledging the original source. Refer to the Writer's Handbook for guidelines that will help you avoid plagiarism.