Grading Rubric

When it comes to writing and grading essays, there are many components that tie into it. I think it is very important to have a set grading rubric, so that the students know the criteria for writing the essay. If I were the teachers the key components that I would look for would be the following.
First it is important to have a well structured essay with all of the paragraphs, including, the introduction, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion. Secondly I would look for a well thought out thesis, because the thesis is the heart and soul of the essay and sets the tone for the rest of your paper. Then I would look at the paragraphs individually and see if the meet the requirements for a paragraph, which are at least five sentences or more. It is also important that your grammar and punctuation is correct. Lastly I would see if the essay even fits the requirements for the topic assigned and then would allow for additional extra points based on creativity. All in all these five different grading components would help us with our writing and keep us focused on the task at hand.

Beyond Words pg. 46 Compose #4

As you can see I decided to manipulate a photograph that was recently taken. I really like to take pictures and it is interesting to see how much you can change the appearance of a normal picture with modern technology. The picture I chose to use brings back a lot of memories. I served my mission in Spain and I took this picture from an old church that was built on a huge rock island that overlooked the coast line. I chose to change the color of this picture and to make it look like a very peaceful day with no worries at all. When looking at it you can see how the sky and the color of it makes a nice transition into the mountains and then following through into the ocean. Changing the color of this photograph definitely changes the mood and the feeling of the original one. At a first glance of this picture I can't help but imagining myself clear over on the nice sandy beach catching some sweet waves surfing. It also provokes a feeling of comfort and tranquility, there is something about this color of blue that makes you want to kick back relax and forget about all of your trouble and worries.

Beyond Word pg. 32 #3

Find a personal object in your closet, attic, or elsewhere, that has not aged well-it might be a piece of clothing, an ugly radio, a picture of an old pet or car, a graduation present or a souvenir. As well as you can, explain how the object is connected to you through memories and associations, What might you want other people to know about the object if it showed up in Found magazine?

After spending some time thinking about the object I would you and after going through all of the junk in my bedroom closet, I finally found the object that I would use. When coming upon this object it instantly brought back a wide variety of memories. This object is an old baseball still in a plastic casing covered in dust and signed by my baseball team when I was 8 years old. At a first glance, I read the following on the baseball, "most work for hit number 1." As you can see I wasn't the all-star player of the team, but I did end the season with 1 hit! I also read all of the signatures of my fellow team mates, and I can remember all of the fun times we had as kids. Most of all I remember the coaches of my team, one of which was my Father. He was a great coach and always supported me and help me to do my best.
If this baseball were to appear in a magazine titled Found, there are many things I would want the people to know about this object. You could almost compare it to the movie the Sandlot and the group of kids in that movie were much like the ones on my team. Everyone had their own personality that brought a special flavor to the team. I would also want them to know how hard I worked for that "hit number 1," and that with hard work and dedication you can achieve anything. In fact after that season I dedicated myself and work hard in the batting cages and in the following season I led my team with the highest batting average! This is a lesson I will always remember, that even thought you may not be the best a something you can always try your hardest and in the long run you will be able to see the improvement.

Consider #3

Make a list of the different kinds of writing you do in a single day. Don't include academic types of writing only. List all your uses of words, whether on paper or screen. Any surprises in your list?

There are many types of writing that I do in a single day. Without considering all of the immense writing I do in college, with taking notes and writing papers, there are still many types of writing that I do. The main on I can think of is using electronic e-mail. I use it a lot to communicate with my friends and family. Another type of writing that I use often is my journal. I started writing a journal about three years ago and since then I have been keeping a record of my thoughts and accomplishments. I also like to write lyrics to songs that I have made up on my guitar. I really enjoy doing that and in a way it can be very therapeutic. There are many different kinds of writing that I use in a single day that help me with my life.