English Composition 101A, 102A

Standard 1: Writing Process

Benchmark: Produce well developed and audience appropriate ideas

a. TLW generate ideas through brainstorming, discussions, and written journals that are topic appropriate

b. TLW support a topic with sufficient detail that is insightful and creative

c. TLW develop a specific introductory technique and thesis

Benchmark: Write with coherence and organization

a. TLW produce a paper that maintains a clear focus by stating the thesis and structuring paragraphs that support that controlling idea

b. TLW decide on an order in presenting ideas: time, space, emphasis or combination

c. TLW reinforce the purpose in the conclusion

d. TLW use transitions that link paragraphs and points within paragraphs

e. TLW develop ideas with relevant facts, details and examples

Benchmark: Select words that are appropriate to audience and purpose

a. TLW use vocabulary that is clear, concise, and appropriate to audience and purpose

b. TLW choose words that create desired tone, imagery, and figures of speech

c. TLW edit out passive voice and clichés

d. TLW have consistent tense, usage, and point of view

Benchmark: Construct a variety of sentence patterns

a. TLW use sentence variety that reflects coordination, subordination, and active voice

b. TLW develop phrasing that is parallel

c. TLW edit sentence structure to eliminate run-on sentences and fragments

Benchmark: Correctly apply the rules of mechanics and grammar

a. TLW produce writing that displays control of conventions: grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage

Standard 2: Research

Benchmark: Use technology and reference materials to locate information

a. TLW use the electronic research tools of the modern library

b. TLW evaluate information sources for validity and appropriateness

Benchmark: Prepare a presentation using primary/secondary sources

a. TLW develop a specific proposition and supporting outline

b. TLW paraphrase, summarize, and document according to MLA guidelines to give credit and to avoid plagiarism

c. TLW create a works cited

d. TLW create valid arguments which respect opposing views and avoid common fallacies