WA 3

Writing Assignment 3: Process Essay

         Your assignment is to written an instructional process essay on a topic of your choice – however, I must approve the topic before you begin writing. Therefore, you need to choose a topic that a) you understand well and b) you find interesting and have a lot to say about so that you can communicate the process clearly to your readers. You are free to choose the tone of voice of your essay – for example, if you’d like to be funny, go ahead and be funny. If you think a more serious tone of voice is appropriate, that’s fine too.

            Your essay should include at least 4 paragraphs, with an introductory paragraph,two body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. Communicate your ideas with a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. Use transition signals to connect your ideas clearly.

Examples of topics:

1.      How to lose weight without going crazy

2.      How to beat other people at poker

3.      How to find the perfect roommate

4.      How to get rid of your horrible roommate – without doing anything illegal

5.      How to housebreak your dog

6.      How to enjoy a romantic date night for less than $20

7.      How to successfully get a raise from your employer

8.      How to cook the perfect steak 

a

  Important dates:

  June 28: brainstorm, outline

  July 1st (midnight): send Bonnie rough draft by DOCS

  July 4th (midnight): send Bonnie final draft by DOCS

Grading Rubric

Process Essay (WA 3)

June 30, 2012

	MAXIMUM SCORE	ACTUAL SCORE
Format -          Centered title (1), first line of paragraph indented (1), double – spaced, (1) correct headline (1)	4
Content -          Essay fulfills assignment requirements. -          Essay is interesting -          Essay shows care and thought. -          Consistent use of nouns & pronouns	5 5 5 2 17
Organization -          Essay has an introduction, at least 2 body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. Introductory paragraph: -          Begins with several general sentences. Ends with thesis statement. Body: -          Each paragraph discusses a new point and begins with a clear topic sentence. -          Each paragraph has supporting material: facts, examples, etc. -          Transitions are used to link paragraphs. Concluding paragraph: -          Summarizes main points or paraphrases the thesis statement, begins with conclusion signal	4 5 3 4 3 5
Grammar, Sentence Structure, -          Minus 0.5 points for each run – on, comma splice, fragment, spelling mistake, incorrectly capitalized word
Sentence Structure -          Essay includes a combination of simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences	5
Total points:	50 pts.

·         After you receive the final draft with comments, corrections, and a final score, you have the opportunity to correct the final draft and turn it in to me (typed hard copy) à 3 points