Overall Areas of Improvement

Writing Composition Errors and Issues

Formatting: No exceptions other than...

• Times New Roman

• Size 12 font

• Single-spaced heading

• Header with last name and page number: Lamplugh 1

• Original title

• Works Cited page

Citations from dictionary.com...

• The in-text citation for dictionary.com is not (dictionary.com).

• It should either be (“Utopia”) or (“Dystopia”).

• Fix your Works Cited page. The very first item in this citation should be whatever word you looked up!

Citation issues...

• ANY and ALL information that is not common knowledge should have an in-text citation to accompany it at the end of the sentence.

• This includes paraphrases and direct quotes.

Citation issues...

• If you have used dates, names, and/or locations in your writing, it is usually a tip-off that you acquired the information from some research.

• Failure to correctly cite said information= plagiarism violation.

Works Cited issues...

• If you have a source listed on your Works Cited page, it MUST appear in your paper.

• Likewise, if you have an in-text citation, it MUST be listed on your Works Cited page.

Works Cited issues...

• Citations must follow MLA guidelines (they have a website if you are stuck…)

• Or...you could use Noodletools, or Sonofcitationmachine.com

• Items on a Works Cited page go in alphabetical order

• If “n.d.” or “n.p.” is generated using one of the tools above, delete these abbreviations!

Please note...

• Failure to provide a Works Cited page = automatic F.

• Failure to cite information = automatic F.

• Failure to incorporate any information (read: quotes) = automatic letter grade deduction.

Note:

This paper was supposed to be about your arguments and claims. However, these opinions are nearly moot if you have no research to back your claims!

Writing Composition: Structure

• You must have a thesis statement as your last sentence.o Topic + Debatable view +

Significance to the audience

Thesis statement example:

“Utopias often devolve into dystopias as a result of unorganized, overzealous leadership; this can be observed in the fiction text, 1984, and in the real-life group, The Oneida Colony.”

Writing Compositions: Structure

• Additionally, you must begin every paragraph with an organized topic sentence that BOTH reflects your thesis and lets the reader know some info. regarding the content of your body paragraph.

Body Paragraph #1 example:

“Though there are varying viewpoints regarding why and how utopias devolve into dystopias, literary critics and analysts alike will agree that it stems from a lack of effective leadership.”

Body Paragraph #2 example:

“Members of the ruling party in the fiction novel, 1984, and real-life alternative group, The Oneida Colony, would argue that they live within a utopia because they strive to create equality and a level of conformity amongst all citizens.”

Body Paragraph #3 example:

“Conversely, the dystopian protagonist, Winston, from 1984, and members of mainstream United States can determine the faults within these so-called utopian societies, which ultimately pinpoint the figureheads with the blame for their devolution.”

Revisions...

• You must provide an original thesis statement and fresh topic sentences. These must be turned in with your original paper (printed from www.turnitin.com)

• You must also correct your Works Cited page, and provide correct in-text citations.

Deadline:

Grades are pulled Friday; therefore, these revisions are due Thursday, 11/06, by 2:40 pm. No exceptions, no extensions.