CRITICAL PAPERS

I. Length: 5 pages, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, standard type (Times New Roman), 12 pt.

Note 1: 10% of the total grade for the paper will be deducted for each page                         or half-a-page less than the required 5 pages.

Note 2: The title page and Works Cited page cannot be counted toward the                         5 page total.

II. Date Due: See your Schedule

Note:    10% of the total grade for the paper will be deducted for each calendar day that the paper is                                               late.

III. Sources: In addition to the primary work you are studying, you must cite at least 3 secondary sources in your paper.

Note: Only one of these sources may be a web site, and reference sources may not be counted as                                             part of the 3 required sources.

IV. Primary Source: See your schedule.

V. Format and Style: Follow standard conventions of modern edited English, standard citation procedures, and MLA                         conventions for the Works-Cited list.

Note 1: Read the handouts on Writing a Critical Analysis and Quotation and                                                 Citation.

Note 2: Five points will be deducted from your total grade every time I must mark                                     one of the following errors:

CS (comma splice), Fr (fragment), Ag (Agreement), Fus (fused sentence), you (use of second person), confusing the following words: its vs. .                                                 it's, there vs. their, to vs. too, woman vs. women).

Note 3: A plot summary or book report will not be acceptable.

Note 4: Plagiarizing from the internet or any print sourcewill result in a “0” on this paper.

VI. The following criteria will be used to evaluate your essays:

1. Ability to follow directions.

2. Observance of the standard conventions of modern edited English.

3. Adequate development of a clearly stated thesis through the use of specific examples and details.

4. Organization of the topics and subtopics in clear and logical patterns to present a unified theme.

5. Originality of thought and expression, and the avoidance of the vague, the trite, and the abstract.

6. Use of diction appropriate to the subject and audience of the essay.

7. Appropriate and correct use of sources and quotations.

  8. Correct use of MLA citation procedures.

  9. Overall neatness and appearance.