DIRECTIONS:

Individually, write a 3-5 page essay that reflects on and illuminates aspects of your personal writing style.

In this essay, analyze your style using the concepts and terms you have learned from Joseph Williams' Style. Use short excerpts from pieces that you have written to support your primary points. Your audiences for the analysis are me, Karen, and Sarah, and the other members of this class.

Choose at least 3 terms that the book focuses on (the chapter titles) to discuss in depth.

The style and careful editing of your analytical essay should demonstrate not only your understanding of Williams' text, but also your ability to effectively and thoughtfully employ the techniques he describes. In fact, the essay itself should model your grasp of editing and style and will be evaluated on this basis.

GOALS:

To reflect on your own style.

To demonstrate an understanding of concepts in Williams' Style.

To reflect on what you have learned this term.

To demonstrate that you can use the techniques that Williams describes in editing an effective essay of your own.

HINTS FOR SUCCESS

• Focus on 3-4 primary terms for your analysis. Choose these from the chapter titles of Williams' book.

• Reflect on what you have learned about style this term.

• Use brief excerpts from pieces you have written as examples within your analysis.

• IMPORTANT: The style and careful editing of your analytical essay should demonstrate not only your understanding of Williams' text, but also your ability to effectively and thoughtfully employ a range of the techniques he describes.

EVALUATION

Engaging (The essay demonstrates that the student has engaged deeply and reflectively with the material in the course.)

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Comment:

 

Effective and professional (Organization is clear to readers.)

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Thoughtful (Thorough, Focused, Detailed, Adequate explanation and analysis. Specific.)

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Mechanical Correctness (Spelling, grammar, usage are given appropriate attention.)

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MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL

Illustrative of learning (The style and careful editing of the essay itself illustrates that the student can effectively and thoughtfully employ a range of techniques covered in Williams' text.)

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Grade:

F..................D....................C.....................B...................A