In-Class Writing Requirements, Procedures

We will devote three class days this quarter to in-class writing assignments. (See course syllabus for dates.) These assignments offer you the opportunity to reflect on themes from the chapter, practice using grammar and vocabulary to articulate your ideas, and learn to express yourself accurately in Spanish.

• You may have only writing utensils, the textbook, a dictionary, and 3 sheets of blank, lined paper on your desk.
• No notes from home are allowed.
• Double-space your work; write on every other line.
• Write legibly; arrows, crossouts, etc. are acceptable.
• Expected length: 2-3 organized, connected paragraphs, with a total of approximately 15 sentences and 200 words.
• Include vocabulary and grammar from this chapter; limit dictionary use to one or two words you absolutely need to incorporate.
  
• Write within your limits as a 200-level language student; do not try to say things you do not know how to say and limit yourself to simple constructions.
  
• Do not use bullets or numbers. Write an integrated essay.
• In preparation for the in-class writing assignment, study errors you made on previous assignments in order to avoid repeating those mistakes.
• You will be prepared for this assignment if you have done your homework responsibly and participated actively in class throughout each chapter.
• Click here for grading criteria for these assignments.
  

In class on the day of the writing assignment:

1. Your instructor will project the topic.

2. Spend 10 minutes noting vocabulary and structures you can use to develop the topic. Write these notes on one sheet of paper. (You can consult the textbook, but limit use of the dictionary.) You may wish to take notes in outline form or turn your notes into some sort of outline after jotting them down.

3. Spend 30 minutes writing your paragraphs. (Write organized, connected prose.)

4. Spend 10 minutes consulting pp. 500-501 of the book, which offer advice for editing. Make necessary corrections in the blank lines above your writing for your instructor to see.  Count the words in your essay and write the word count at the bottom.

5. Turn in your notes and edited writing assignment to your instructor. Make sure your name is on all sheets of paper you turn in.