Beyond
preparing the student for the test, the primary reason for writing out
assignments (those with the "W" designator) is to help the student to
develop the skill of communicating one's thoughts through the form of
"standard professional English."
Most of us are very capable communicators when speaking to our peers in
our own cultural level of conversational English; however, being able to
communicate well in standard written English is another skill that takes
practice to develop. Besides
being graded for accurate and thoughtful work, your written assignments
("W") will have points deducted if they do not meet the following criteria:
1. The student should write as if writing to an audience of peers who do not know the question or topic assigned and who are uninformed in the discipline (Biblical Studies). Do not write to the instructor, who is often presumed to know what the student is trying to say. (In fact, a good practice is to ask a friend outside of class to read your work for complete clarity of expression before handing it in.)
2. Paragraphs should begin with a thesis sentence that clearly introduces the topic, thesis, or question assigned. Do not just copy the assigned question. Compose an introductory sentence.
3. Your thoughts should be expressed in complete, grammatically correct sentences forming well-balanced paragraphs.*
4. Use your own words rather than quoting from another source, as much as possible. If you do quote or directly borrow material, even from a textbook, avoid plagiarism and cite the source and page number.
5. If a paragraph is sufficiently detailed, then it should close on a sentence that summarizes the paragraph's main point.
6. Do not use contractions and abbreviations, with the exception of abbreviations that are standard to the discipline (e.g. OT for Old Testament, NT for New Testament, ANE for ancient Near East, etc.).
7. All assignments to be handed in should include: your name, course section #, and group letter; the date handed in (due date); and the assignment # and question #'s.
8. All written assignments are to be typed in 12 point font with double spacing between lines to allow space for teacher's editorial/correction comments.
9. See "Writing Standards" for typical problems to avoid.
*If a student knows that she/he has trouble with grammar and consistently would be graded down on written assignments, she/he may work out an arrangement with the instructor to get help from the Learning Assistance Program and receive special consideration from the instructor.