October 2003

Private conferences allow us the opportunity to see how we are doing, to ask questions, and to explore our options.

The following items are often covered:

• How are you doing?
• Do you have any special concerns?
• Do you have questions for me?
• How are you adjusting to the writing workload: one paper (rewrite or original) each Thursday during September and October.
• Do you understand the grading system well enough to explain it to me?

My concerns

• Your particular essay grades - How are you doing? What are your options if you have not received passing grades? November 7 is the last day to withdraw  without the instructor's signature.
• How are you contributing to the class? What grade do you feel you deserve for your contributions? Are you accepting your share of the responsibility for the classroom atmosphere? (You are in college not grade 13.)
  • Are you prompt? (If not, don't expect stellar participation grades)
  • Are you always there?
  • Do you contribute to the classroom discussions?
  • Do you answer questions?
  • When speaking, do you speak clearly so that you are heard by people behind you and ahead of you?
  • Are you respectful of others, listening when someone is speaking?
  • Are you positive, upbeat, helpful & cheerful?
  • Do you take it upon yourself to ask questions when something is not clear?
  • Have you properly prepared yourself for the class by completing all of the readings? 
  • Can you assume responsibility for the discussions? (You will be asked to do this later in the semester.
  • Can you handle the multitasking?

Future Essay  Assignments:

If you are pleased with the grade you received on your two  5-paragraph essays worth ten points each, you need not  submit a ten-point essay to me  on 10/16 & 10/23.  As mentioned in the syllabus,  three 10-point, 5-paragraph essays are assigned this semester & I am counting your two highest grades.

If, however,  you want to bring up your essay grades, submit an essay to me on 10/16. I will read it over the weekend & return it to you  on 10/21.  The polished  10-point  (optional) essay is due 10/23, as stated in your syllabus.

Comments on Assigned Readings

I'd suggest you comment upon the arguments in your readings. How do the authors make their points? Are the authors offensive? Are they compassionate to the opposition? Do they consider the opposition?  How is the opposition dismissed?  Are they convincing? Why?

During the week of October 21, I'll be discussing persuasive writing. Your October 30  fifteen-point essay will be an argument.

Serious Writing Errors

Recall the purpose of this course is to prepare you for English Composition. Students that have not mastered the basics of grammar (run-ons, fragments, and missing articles..), should not expect a passing grade on your essays.

My Closing Comments:

Overall, I'm very pleased with the improvement I've seen in your writing.  Virtually everyone has mastered the form of the essay (intro - body-conclusion); has been including transitional topic sentences; has been creating "unified" paragraphs that do not digress from the stated topic; and has become more sensitive to writing tools, such as parallel structure.

I'm looking forward to working with you as your improve your persuasive writing skills.

I'm also looking forward to reading, seeing, and discussing  Tuesdays with Morrie with the class and working with you as you write a book review (due November 25).

Sincerely,

Louise N. Walkup