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El Camino College: Spring 2010
English A: 6212 Writing the College Essay
Tuesdays
8 – 10:05 a.m. in H-313 (computer lab)
Thursdays 8 – 10:05 a.m. in H-309
Learning Community link with Mr. Cheung’s English 84: 6093 MW 8-10:05 am
Counselor: ________________ SSVC 214
English A: 6234 Writing the College Essay
Tuesdays
10:15 a.m – 12:20 p.m. in H-313 (computer lab)
Thursdays 10:15 a.m – 12:20 p.m..in H-309
Instructor: Ms. Jennifer Annick
Phone (310) 660-3593 x 5193
Email jannick@elcamino.edu
Office Humanities 321H
Office Hours Mon. & Wed. 12:30 -1:30 p.m.
Tues & Thurs. 12:30 - 1 p.m.
Required Materials
“Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and
speculation at a standstill.” - historian Barbara Tuchman
1 English A packet with “Ms. Annick” on the cover $4
2 And Still We Rise – Miles Corwin - about $15
3 Primus customized textbook for ENGL A & ENGL 84: J. Annick & M.Cheung on cover – about $20
4 PC formatted flash drive (needed for labwork!), 882-E scantron, stapler, hi-lighter, 3 ring binder
5 Optional- Rules for Writers 6th edition – Diana Hacker $37
Course Description
“I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.”
-architect Frank Lloyd Wright
We are committed to you. We want you to make a commitment to your success. This class is designed to strengthen your
ability to express yourself clearly in speaking and writing about literature and your life. We will write academic essays,
learn about standard English grammar, research responsibly, discuss literature and practice the skills that will help you to be
even more successful in the future.
The 3 credits given for earning a Pass (P) in ENGL A are based on the Carnegie unit:
for every hour in class, you are expected to do two hours of work outside of class!
Student Learning Outcome
Write a 500-word multi-paragraph expository essay that responds to a text discussed in class. The essay should include an
introductory paragraph with a thesis, 2-4 body paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details, and a concluding
paragraph. Supporting details should include at least one direct quotation from an outside source. The essay should use
basic rules of grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation so that the writer’s ideas are clear. Essays should follow the rules
of MLA style for heading, title, running header, indentation, in-text citation, and Works Cited page.
Follow the ABCs!
Anticipate! Before class begins, hand in work, open your binder, turn on computer…
Be your best! Eat well, get rest, and take the time to do your work well.
Create solutions! Ask for help. If you are absent, get and do the missed work.
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Course Objectives
1. Read and apply critical thinking skills to college-level expository prose for the purposes of writing and discussion.
2. Apply appropriate strategies in the writing process including prewriting, composing, revising, and editing techniques.
3. Demonstrate ability to incorporate into draft revision information received in peer review and one-on-one tutorials.
4. Plan, write, and revise 500-word multi-paragraph expository essays including an introduction and conclusion, exhibiting
coherence and unity, avoiding major grammatical and mechanical errors that interfere with meaning, and demonstrating
awareness of audience, purpose, and language choice.
5. Utilize MLA guidelines to format a document, to cite sources in the text of an essay, and to compile a Works Cited list.
Linked Course Objectives
1. establish and maintain a welcoming and supportive community
2. provide students with a more connected learning experience
3. coordinate course content, assignments and reading between classes
4. encourage shared learning, open communication, and respect for each other’s ideas and experiences
5. apply learning from one course to another
Course Grading
Attendance, preparation and participation
1050 Points
75
Student profile& syllabus quiz, books, chapter presentations
70
Novel and article questions (4 sets @ 20 points each)
80
Quizzes (partner grammar quiz & reading quizzes)
(5 @ 20 points each)
100
Papers (3 @ 100 points)
narrative, example, comparison and contrast
300
on-line grammar exercises (2 sets @ 25 points each)
50
Volunteer work/ field trip
50
Research project
Group proposal
Researching worksheet
Individual sources and annotations
Group research paper outline
1st draft
Final draft
Presentation
10
20
50
25
25
25
20
Midterm and final exam
150
To receive a grade of Pass (P), you must earn over 73% or ____ points and show the ability to plan and write an
academic essay, research effectively, and use standard grammar and MLA formatting that passes the Student Learning
Outcome and rubric for ENGL A.
To calculate your grade: 1 Add all the points you have earned.
2. Divide by all the points possible to that point.
3. Multiple by 100 = your %
Course Evaluation
Attendance and participation Keep track of your attendance each day on this syllabus.
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Students must be in class, on time, on task, alert with their heads off the desk, with their own books, and
participating appropriately and respectfully. Please treat others as you want them to treat you. Please turn off and put away
all electronic devices, music and sunglasses before class begins. No work from other classes is allowed during our class
time. No personal grooming. All language, topics, and essays must be appropriate to an academic setting. Positive body
language and attention to any speaker is required! Like the lottery, “You have to be in it, to win it”
MYTH #1 College is cool because you don’t have to attend class.
FACTS: Missing more than three classes = You are dropped from class.
- After the first absence each 5 weeks, you lose 10 points from your attendance grade.
- Do NOT schedule appointments during class time.
- There are no ‘excused’ absences. However, please talk with me about emergency situations or extreme illness.
- If you are absent, you must contact a classmate and come to the office for any handouts you miss
BEFORE the next class meets so you aren’t even further behind.
MYTH #2 Not much happens the first week of class.
FACT: If you miss the first or second day of class, you will be dropped from the class.
MYTH #3 If a student has a good reason, it’s okay to be a little late or leave a little early.
FACTS: After the first tardy or early leave each 5 weeks, you lose 10 points from your attendance grade.
-Missing more than thirty minutes of class = absence
- If you are tardy, you must see me after class for the “tardy party” to be marked present
- Be courteous. If you leave early, you must let me know before class begins.
MYTH #4 It is okay to use electronic devices and surf the web during class.
FACTS: It is rude to everyone to not be fully focused on class.
- If you are checking or using any electronic device, you will be asked to leave class and be marked absent.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you are absent for just one day, do not call me. Instead, follow the syllabus assignments and contact a classmate:
Name _________________________Phone number(s) _______________________ Email ______________________
Name _________________________Phone number(s) _______________________ Email ______________________
If you are absent two classes in a row, you should contact me!
If you are absent three classes in a row and do not contact me, I assume want to be dropped from our class.
Homework: Responses are graded on thoughtfulness, completeness, formatting and proofreading.
This class is designed to train you as a college student. Only two assignments will be accepted late with no
penalty. Those assignments must be turned in the next class with the NQA (No Questions Asked) half sheet in this syllabus
stapled on top. After that, late work can only earn up to half credit and will only be accepted the next class day.
No makeup work is given for missed work.. If you know you will miss a class, you can turn in work early for full
credit. All assignments must be completed before class starts and handed in during the first 5 minutes of class or it is late.
3 Ring Binder You must have your syllabus, the packet and then all handouts in the order given to you in the rings
of the binder. Please have a separate section for your notes which should have a date and heading.
Quizzes and Exams All quizzes and exams are cumulative and may include questions on writing, grammar, and
reading. You must have the required book on your desk to be eligible to take the quizzes.
Grammar exercises Online exercise directions are in your English A packet. To complete those exercises, you
must score 80% or better. Student advice: “If you do it carefully, it really helps.”
Lab time If you are not focused during the lab time, you will be asked to leave and it will be counted as an
absence. Save all work as Microsoft.doc so your disk will work in the ECC labs.
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Papers are worth 100 points. You will be given instructions for each paper. You must complete each step to earn
a grade. All drafts must be typed in 12 point font, double spaced, stapled once, and use the MLA format we learn in class.
Please staple all steps in the left corner in the order to have the paper evaluated:
1 completed outline checked by instructor or tutor on due date (25 points)
If absent, you must see me during office hours or meet with a Writing Center tutor
2 1st draft (25 points)
3 peer editing sheet carefully completed with proof that questions and answers were used in 2 nd draft
If missing, incomplete, or not used to revise your paper, you do not get a grade for the 2 nd draft
4 2nd draft (50 points) You will sit with me or a tutor as we go over you paper together.
This important grade is based on how well you used the outline, peer editing, and grammar we learned.
5 To get your grade for the 2nd draft, complete a 3rd draft due at the beginning of next class
with the changes and additions you made highlighted.
Revisions must include any changes suggested by me or the tutor to the topic sentence(s), addition of
specific details, lengthening the paper, and/or improving grammar or spelling.
If you miss or skip more than three corrections or suggestions, you will not receive a grade.
2nd draft Scoring Rubric
*Grading
Criteria
A
Superior
45-50 points
B
Very Good
40-44 points
C
Satisfactory
35-39 points
D
Weak
30-34 points
F
Poor
10-29 points
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Purpose &
Organization
Development
and Support
Mechanics,
Usage, and
Grammar
MLA Format
Thesis is
strong, clearly
focused, and
presents a
position. Essay
has a strong
introductory
paragraph,
body
paragraphs
with relevant
topic sentences
and transitions,
& a concluding
paragraph.
Thesis is clearly
focused and
presents a
position. Essay
has an
introductory
paragraph, body
paragraphs with
topic sentences,
some transitions,
and a concluding
paragraph.
Thesis presents a
position/opinion.
Essay has a brief
introductory
paragraph, some
body paragraphs
with topic
sentences and
transition signals,
and a concluding
paragraph.
Thesis
announces the
topic but does not
present a
position/opinion.
Essay has weak
introductory and
concluding
paragraphs,
vague or missing
topic sentences,
and very few
transition signals.
Thesis is
never stated.
Essay has no
introductory
or concluding
paragraphs,
no topic
sentences
and/or
transition
signals.
Essay has
specific,
thoughtful,
relevant
supporting
details & at
least one
appropriate
quotation that
is effectively &
grammatically
incorporated.
Essay has several
relevant specific
supporting details
and includes at
least one
effectively
incorporated
quotation.
Essay has
supporting details,
but some may be
too general,
repetitious,
irrelevant, or
illogical. Essay
includes at least
one relevant
quotation
Essay has few
supporting
details, and
details are
general,
repetitious and/or
irrelevant. No
analysis. Essay
does not include
a relevant
quotation.
Essay lacks
supporting
details and/or
has details
that are
irrelevant.
Essay does
not include a
quotation.
Word choice is
appropriate
with college
vocabulary and
correct spelling.
Essay has few
grammatical or
punctuation
errors, and a
reader can
easily
understand the
writer’s ideas.
Word choice is
mostly appropriate
and most words
are spelled
correctly. Essay
has minor
grammatical and
punctuation errors,
but a reader can
understand the
writer’s ideas.
Word choice and
spelling may be
confusing at times.
Essay has some
errors in grammar
and punctuation
that might prevent
a reader from
easily
understanding
some of the
writer’s ideas.
Words are
frequently
misused and/or
spelled
incorrectly.
Essay has so
many grammar
and punctuation
errors that a
reader often has
trouble
understanding the
writer’s ideas
Words are
consistently
misused
and/or
misspelled.
Essay has so
many
grammar &
punctuation
errors that a
reader can’t
understand
the writer’s
ideas.
Correct MLA
format is used.
There are only a
few minor errors in
MLA format.
There are some
errors in MLA
format.
There are many
errors in MLA
format.
MLA format
is not
followed.
0 points - The paper is late, plagiarized, or is missing the approved outline, completed peer editing, or revision.
Some papers may not fit these categories exactly. This rubric is intended to be applied to an end-of-the-semester essay. We
will work toward these goals with each paper assignment.
Plagiarism is using someone else's ideas or words from any other source including the Internet or copying
someone else’s work without giving credit. The consequences of academic theft are severe: a zero on the assignment, failure
in the course, suspension, and/or dismissal from ECC. The solution is simple: use the MLA format including parenthetical
references, see me, the tutor, or the Writing Center, and do your own work.
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Resources
The Writing Center located in Humanities 122 offers help with writing. You can meet with a tutor, use on-line
tutoring, type your papers, or do Hacker grammar exercises. Log in and out using your student ID number. All work must
be academic. No appointment needed. You must bring the assignment page for essay help. 660-3873.
Computers and printers for students are available in The Writing Center and the LMTC in the East Lower Level
of the Library.
The Special Resource Center and ADA provides for testing for academic accommodations. If you have a
documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please let me know. You may speak to me after
class, during office hours, by phone or e-mail. Your privacy will be protected. You are also encouraged to contact the
Special Resource Center on campus (310) 660-3295 to discuss what services are available. If you have had trouble learning
successfully, contact these specialists about possible enrollment in Educational Development 29.
The Textbook Depot located on the main floor of the library at the periodicals/ reserve window has many of the
textbooks used in ECC classes. You may borrow these books for two hours, but you must use them in the library.
Student Health Center (located next to the Pool) offers free or low cost doctor appointments, psychological
counseling, HIV and STD testing, blood tests, pregnancy tests and immunizations. (310)660-3643
Office Hours Please use this time for extra help, to check grades, for questions or to makeup missed quizzes. You
do not need to make an appointment. You can also call or leave a message that I will return by the next scheduled office
hours.
Advice from English A graduates
“Do all the work; it helps.”
“Use your time wisely.”
“Do the essays and especially the outlines.”
“Read and come to class every day.”
“Study the grammar.”
“Absences can really hurt your grade because there is so much covered in one class.”
“Always do homework right after class.”
“Be on time.”
“Bring all your books to class.”
“It’s very crucial not to miss class.”
“Keep an eye on your grade by using your syllabus.”
Notes This syllabus and the assignments, like life itself, are subject to change. If these guidelines do
not fit your expectations, please speak to me immediately to consider better options for you. I look
forward to working with you!
Class schedule and homework
Please bring all books every day.
Rise = And Still We Rise
All numbered sections are from the optional book Rules for Writers.
“Titles” are from Primus Customized textbook
To follow this schedule: In plain type are the topics that we cover together during class that day.
In italics at the bottom of each box is homework (HW) due at the beginning of the next class.
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Week
Tuesdays – computer lab
1
2/16 Tardy Absent Present
Read
&
ENGL program overview
Syllabus
“How to Mark a Book” overview
Read Rise prologue
Introductions/puzzles
http://patrickhickeyjr.tripod.com/milescorwinintervi
ew.html/
Presentation And Still We Rise Prologue
Chapter presentation sign ups
Your chapter ___
Your partner ___________________
Your date ____/____
You will record your grade at week 6
Note: If a book or novel is mentioned in your
chapters, you MUST include that as an idea
you researched!
Grammar verbs & subjects 62c & 63a
Review packet
Narrative essay assigned & begin outline
(skip introduction until next week)
Homework
Complete student profile & Syllabus quiz ___/10
Homework
Read & annotate Rise Intro and Chapter1 & 2
annotate
Rise
Intro,
Prologue,
Ch 12
Points
Early departure
Thursdays
Points
2/18 Tardy Absent Present Early departure
Purchase Rise,, A packet and flash drive & bring
to class
___/10
Read & annotate Rise Introduction and Prologue
2
2/23 Tardy Absent Present Early departure
2/25 Tardy Absent Present Early departure
Read
&
MLA format: see packet
Word overview 5a & 7
Begin Rise journal entry 1
Rise quiz
Rise Chapter presentations
Grammar fragments 19
www.chompchomp.com
Introductions 2a and packet
Conclusions 2c
Preview drafting
annotate
Rise
Ch 37
Continue narrative outlines
___/20
Field trip/volunteer information & forms
3
Homework
Read & annotate Rise for quiz
HW finish narrative outline
3/2
3/4
T
A
P
E
T
A
P
___/25
E
Meet tutor _________________
Outlines checked
Begin 1st Draft
Chapter presentations
Grammar run-on sentences 20
http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/ppt/run-ons.pps
www.chompchomp.com
Titles worksheet
Peer editing modeling
Volunteer/ Field trip Site Proposal forms
HW Rise Journal entry1 ( in syllabus) to Ms.
Annick
___/20
HW typed & printed narrative 1st draft with flash
drive
___/25
8
4
3/9
read
&
Peer editing
using “Edit” & “Find”
revision
annotate
Rise
Ch
11,12,
14,1517, 22
& 23
T
A
P
E
3/11
T
A
P
E
Quiz: Ch 11, 12, 14 (closed book on desk) ___/20
Chapter presentations
Grammar Commas 32 & 33
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ppt/com
mas.pps
Abbreviations 40
Numbers 41
On-line grammar skills introduced
preview grading rubric
HW DUE MONDAY BY 1 p.m. in my
office or under my office door at Hum 321H: Narrative 2nd draft with peer editing
HW Read & annotate Rise
completed with steps stapled in order given in
syllabus on page 4
___/50
5
3/16
I must cancel our class today.
I will hold office hours.
If you want to know more about Olivia, go to
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=
user.viewprofile&friendID=10953928
3/18
T
A
P
E
Partner grammar quiz
___/20
Attendance & participation
___/25
Absences (- 10 for each after 1st) = - ___
Tardies (-5 for each after 1st) = - ___
Chapter presentations
Sample of completed paper
Example paper assigned & begin outline
Transitions 4d
Review introductions
HW To get grade on your 2nd draft of the narrative
paper, revise and reprint narrative final draft with
steps stapled in the order given on syllabus page 4
& with changes hi-lited by hand or by computer
HW finish example outline
6
3/23
Read
&
Example paper outlines checked
1st draft due by end of class ?
annotate
Rise
Ch.
26,27
29,36
Afterword
&Epilogue
T
A
P
E
3/25
T
A
P
___/25
E
Chapter presentations finish
Your chapter presentation grade
___/20
Grammar Apostrophes 36
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ppt/apo
strophe.pps
Capital Letters 45
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ppt/capit
als.pps
Words that Sound Alike 43b
Group Research Project assigned
Review Rules for Writers
Conducting research 49a-49e
Managing info/ avoiding plagiarism 51a-51c
Evaluating sources 50a-50c & Wikipedia
Group research proposal assigned: questions 49a
Progress Report total
____/____
9
HW typed & printed example 1st draft with flash
drive
___/25
7
3/30
T
A
P
E
4/1
Peer editing
Turnitin.com
Revision
Using quotations review :
____ wrote/said, “________” (Corwin 23).
T
A
P
E
Meet in Library Demonstration Center (LDC) in
library basement (toward West Wing to the left of
LRC stairs) at start of class!
DO NOT MISS THIS!
Library and internet research
Group research proposal due at end of class___/10
HW answer Rise journal entry 2
___/20
(For 8 am LC class due to Mr Cheung)
Note: You must answer at least 1 of the 2 Rise
question sets to receive a grade for the example
paper.
HW on-line grammar Part 1
8
4/6
T
A
P
HW example paper 2nd draft with peer editing
completed with steps stapled in order given in
syllabus on page 4
___/50
___/25
E
4/8
Papers evaluated & revision
Partners: complete Researching worksheet:
NO partial credit ___/20
Continue sources research & annotations
HW To get grade on your 2nd draft, revise and
reprint example final draft with steps stapled in
the order given on syllabus page 4 & with ALL
ADDITIONS & CHANGES hi-lited
T
A
P
E
Primus Reader book check
Primus articles selected for presentations
Article ________________ pages ______
Presentation date _____
Your partner ___________
* You must include a visual aid
** Be an expert on your article!
***Record your grade at week 13
Midterm
HW review for midterm
Conferences: progress report & research
HW bring Primus Reader to class
4/13 SPRING BREAK – no class
Continue research & annotations!
___/10
4/15 SPRING BREAK – no class
Enjoy!
___/50
10
9
4/20 T
A
P
E
4/22
Reminder: start on-line grammar skills: Part 2
http://www.smc.edu/tutoring/english_humanities/P
roofreading%20Techniques.ppt
Group research paper assigned
Research paper MLA sample 56b
T
A
P
E
Article presentations
Grammar pronouns 22 & 23
http://www.lexington1.net/technology/instruct/ppts/
LAppts/35/Pronouns.ppt
Review midterms
Intro. Handout: Life is Beautiful & begin movie
Group Research paper outline: (due next week)
1 thesis & topic sentences completed
2 two sources for each body paragraph
3 name of student typing each section
Preview articles
10
HW Typed and printed research sources using
MLA format and 3 annotated sources attached
(each missing source = -15 points on final grade)
___/50
HW Read & annotate for quiz
“Back to Basics: Test Scores Don’t Lie” p 6
“Money for Morality” p 13
HW group research paper outline
4/27
4/29
T
A
P
E
Group Outlines checked
Drafting of your sections of research paper
*only the author of the first paragraph uses the 4
line heading with all the students names
** use only YOUR last name in your header
***REMEMBER: Use signal phrases and ( )
for EACH sentence using ANY research
from ANY source besides you.
T
A
P
___/25
E
Article quiz 1
___/20
Attendance & participation
___/25
Absences (- 10 for each after 1st) = - ___
Tardies (-5 for each after 1st) = - ___
Article presentations
Citing sources & avoiding plagiarism 53a
Integrating sources 54 a and b
On-line Electronic Research Exercises – part 3
Continue Life is Beautiful
Preview articles
HW Read & annotate for quiz
“The Ignored Lesson of Anne Frank” p 39
“Why People Don’t Help in a Crisis” p 49
HW article question set 1to Ms. Annick
Please proofread carefully!
___/20
HW Printed 1st draft of Group research paper
including Works Cited
___/25
11
5/4
T
A
P
E
Group research paper peer editing by group
Turnitin.com
Revision
Online grammar exercises
5/6
T
A
P
E
Article presentations
Comparison & contrast paper preview
Articles Talk Show prep and presentation
11
12
HW Read & annotate for quiz
“How to Tame a Wild Tongue” p 61-65 only
“The Lonely, Good Company of Books” p 76
HW Group research paper final draft with Works
Cited & peer editing
___/25
5/11
5/13
T
A
P
E
Comparison & contrast essay assigned
Outlining: thesis & topic sentences
quotation selection: packet
T
A
P
E
Article quiz 2
Article presentations finish
Your article presentation grade:
finish movie/talk shows
___/20
___/20
Note: Last day to drop with W is Friday, May 14th
13
14
HW Read & annotate
“Graduation Day” p 86
“Beauty: When the Other Dancer is the Self” p 96
HW finish outline including 6 quotations on
outline with page number for any credit ___/25
5/18
5/20
T
A
P
E
T
A
P
E
Comparison & contrast outlines checked
Drafting including 3 direct quotations
Article partner gallery walk:
1 summary: 8 sentences in your own words only
2 your reaction to the article with at least one
quotation sandwiches
HW article question set 2
___/20
( For 8am LC class due to Mr Cheung)
Please proofread outloud before printing!
HW typed & printed comparison and contrast 1 st
draft with at least 6 direct quotations tied into
paper with flash drive
___/25
5/25
5/27
T
A
P
E
Peer editing of compare & contrast paper
Turnitin.com
On-line grammar
T
A
P
E
Total grades
Final exam info and review
Sample questions
Packet – page 4 back
Thesis
Practice ENGL 1A prompts
HW 2nd draft with peer editing completed with
steps stapled in order given in syllabus on page 4
___/50
15
6/1 T
A
P
E
Comparison & Contrast Papers evaluated
Carefully revise group research paper checking:
___1all sources introduced with a signal phrase
___2 EVERY Works Cited entry is in the paper
___3 ALL research is cited properly and matches
with a Works Cited entry
___4 ALL changes given by instructor are made
THEN, reprint research paper
Research paper presentation rehearsal
each student reads section
include visual
6/3
T
A
P
E
Presentations
___/20
Attendance & participation
___/25
Absences (- 10 for each after 1st) = - ___
Tardies (-5 for each after 1st) = - ___
LAST DAY WRITTEN WORK IS ACCEPTED!
12
discuss 2 research challenges & 2 tips
HW To get grade on your 2nd draft of the C & C
paper, revise and reprint final draft with steps
stapled in the order given on syllabus page 4 &
with changes hi-lighted
HW on-line grammar part 2
16
6/8 T
A
P
___/25
E
Final Exam: Grammar & Writing
HW Review for final exam
6/10
___/100
Grades available in office Humanities 321H
during class time
Total points ____/1050
Phew!
Extra Credit options: Show to Ms. Annick after class or during office hours for 5 points each
____Current public library card
____Voting in local or ECC election (voting stub as proof)
____Annotating (thoughtfully underlining or commenting in margins) in book or articles as you read