Your Worldview Papers...some Notes

Hello All, I am working on your papers. I figure that I should address some themes as they arise, so that I don't forget.

I have changed my mind. I said that I wouldn't be returning papers to you for re-dos because it is too much work, and I shouldn't have to do that at the Master's level. However, I would be doing a disservice to you all by not helping you with feedback from the outset.

You will have the opportunity to improve your grade, but keep in mind that you cannot get all 50 points on a second go- round. It simply isn't fair to those who didn't have to do a re-do.

You may want to check back on my notes, they may change over the next few days while I continue to grade.

I am averaging 15-20 minutes per paper.

Rules in redo-s:
First, you have to turn in your old paper with the new one (paper clip it). And, you must highlight the changes in the new so that I can compare them- Either with highlighter pen or with the computer. I don't want to re-read the entire thing if I only wanted certain areas addressed. Lastly, make sure that whatever I point out in this paper does not show up in the next.

THEMES

1. Rush errors. i.e. typos, missing words, sentence fragments. Obvious lack of editing or a read-through before turning it in. Be careful with these types of errors. Not only does it come across as sloppy and rushed, it speaks to a level of professionalism.

2. Global words and phrases such as, "these kinds of things", "the list goes on", "to name a few", "etc." "someplace"...words related to death when that is not what you mean "I would just die" "would be fatal" "is a fatal mistake" "given up on life"..."Can you just imagine" - this one was frequent, and not sure what you mean by it... "Everyone" "No one" (when you think about it there are few things that apply to everyone or no one)...or things that refer to "what everyone thinks/ believes".

3. Overdoing your descriptors: SO VERY MUCH, VERY EVIL,COMPLETELY UTTERLY, very, very, very...

4. Tense issues

5. Grammar. If you get grammar, editing and even comma happy remarks- ESPECIALLY if you get more than one of them, you may want to get yourself to the Hundley Center immediately for some one on one tutoring. If you have these types of comments, they are usually difficult to address/ see on your own.

If you don't mind spending a little bit of $$ you can use an ONLINE service like Smart Thinking- I think it is $19.95 per submission. It is extremely helpful if you are lacking in the writing skills area.

http://www.smarthinking.com/static/individuals/buyNow/