Information About the Diagnostic Essay

The diagnostic essay focuses on the essay assigned for discussion during the second day of the course ("Why the Pledge of Allegiance Should Be Revised," Barnet and Bedau, pp. 47-51). As part of the preparation for discussion, you should have completed a written reading summary/response using the reading response guidelines provided . This and issues raised and discussed in class should help you respond either to question #10 or #11 on p. 51 in the text. While the essay will be written in class, you may prepare a list of your major points and/or an outline prior to class to use in writing the essay. You will have one hour to write, and should write approximately 250 words (1 page, double-spaced, typed). You may handwrite your essay if you prefer, in which case you should adjust the page length accordingly.

The diagnostic essay will not be graded with a letter grade, but using a check, check/plus, plus system. It will be graded as part of your portfolio at the end of the semester. Its main purpose is to serve as a benchmark. It will allow me to assess your writing and determine if you should be given help in such areas as grammar, style, and mechanics, or whether you should perhaps schedule some appointments in the ASC Lab. It also gives you a chance to see the types of comments and suggestions I make in response to your work prior to completing a graded assignment.

Last updated 01/27/08