In this course, you'll learn both MLA and APA format. As we study the basics of grammar and complete our first two essays, we will work in MLA format. MLA format is primarily used in English classes, but you may encounter it in other places as well. When you have a choice of format in your courses, it is one of the most simple and straightforward formats to use.  

Assignment Components 
Your final assignment will include these components, but remember, we do them step-by-step.
1.	An essay draft (Sample)
2.	Class/readings notes on grammar rules and usage and lecture information (Sample)
3.	Draft posted on Blackboard for feedback from me
4.	Grammarly Report (Sample) (Video on how to get this report)
5.	Your final revised essay. 
6.	Optional: Writing center draft (Remember, you can get up to 10 points extra credit by taking this essay to the writing center. You must go at least one day in advance of the date this is due.)

Format
You will have readings covering the format process for MLA, and we will discuss it in class. Your final project must be formatted correctly. (Instructions in Writing down the Basics, pp 45-46 and in this YouTube video)

Essay Draft
To begin, you will write a 1 ½ - 2 page essay about your favorite place to go or thing to do in El Paso. Tell the story of a time you went there to create a picture and feeling for the place and experience. (Sample)

Once you complete this, you will need to post it to Blackboard on the Grammar Notes Draft link. (Credited in the Course Work section) 

*Bring your copy to class with you each day throughout the project.*

Reading and Lecture Notes
As we study grammar, you will need to take notes from our homework readings and in class each day on the grammar rules we go over. If you must miss class, you need to go to our class's YouTube playlist and watch the video and take notes from there. You may also wish to use that to review. (Sample)

Your notes should include these things:
•	The date
•	The title/page numbers for the reading for the homework sections
•	Notes on he basic rule(s), concepts, and instructions from the readings, videos, or lectures.

•	Bring your essay and reading notes to class daily so that I can stamp them as done.
•	If you are assigned a note-taker through CSD, you need to make sure and go through and annotate the notes you're given—highlight them, clarify any basic ideas, etc. Show that you've read them and added to them and reviewed them as needed. 

Turning In the Project 
Make sure to review these notes as you finalize the project and organize it accordingly. Use post-its (which I'll provide in class) or some other form of division to show sections for this project. DO NOT place this in sheet protectors or turn it in in a 3-ring binder.   

Organize in this order (top to bottom) 
1.	Original essay draft with notes from class
2.	Reading and lecture notes
3.	Grammarly report (Video on how to get this report)
4.	Optional: Writing center draft
5.	Final Revised Essay 
 
Grading Criteria 
Below are the criteria for grading.

Format and Professionalism	
•	The project is correctly formatted (MLA)		
•	The project is turned in on time		
•	The project is complete and correctly organized, including these things:		
•	Original Essay Draft with notes from class		
•	Reading and Lecture Notes		
•	Print out of Grammarly Report		
•	Version of Essay with my Comments from Blackboard		
•	Optional: Writing center draft 		
•	Your final revised essay		
Essay Content		
•	Does the essay clearly identify the place or event in El Paso?		
•	Does the essay create a clear picture and feeling for the place or experience?			
Style and Clarity	
•	Does the style—voice, tone, sentence style, and word choice—reflect the type of writing expected in this essay?		
Grammar	
•	Does the writing reflect grammatical and mechanical correctness expected at this level? 		

Revision:  You will be able to revise, but must turn in your revision using  MS Word's Track Changes.  (Sample revision using Track Changes in Word)