How this paper is graded depends upon how well it is written. How well it is written depends upon the stated principles that determine its function. What is its function?
The function of the Log on Meridle Le Sueur's novel The Girl is to get you to write critically about an aspect of the novel that you have chosen [one of the Hundred Questions]. You do not have to write a formal essay; that will come later with the Literary Paper.
This writing assignment, then, has the following criteria by which it will be graded:
1) Thoroughness. You have answered the question completely. Since every question is different, it is not easy for me to explain or for you to know just what it means to supply a complete answer. If you are in doubt, choose a question that it is easy for you to know what it would mean to be complete, or ask me about what it would mean.
2) Documentation: You have documented the sources that supply evidence for your statements. You must write your key statements in the form of the Standard Academic Sentence: your opinion plus textual evidence. And your textual evidence must be cited correctly.
3) WRITING COMPETENCY: Since everything you write is judged on basic writing competency, the log must also be written in standard English, free of punctuation errors, spell-checked, and in a writing style appropriate to the assignment.
Grading Criteria: If you are thorough, have documented completely, and the writing is competent, then you receive an A. Appropriate deductions are made in points 1, 2, and 3, resulting in grades of B, C, D, or E.
For an example of an A paper, go to Mellisa White's answer to Question #5.
For another example of an A paper, go to Scott Davies' answer to Question #2.
View these One Hundred Questions
To help you to write this log and your literary paper, take a look at these websites that contain material on the author and the novel:
Her obituary from the New York Times
A bibliography of her published works
The collection of her manuscripts and letters at the Minnesota Historical Society
A review of The Girl by Joe Napora
A memorial by Karl Young, Linda Montano, Pauline Oliveros, Joe Napora, and Barbara Mor.
An article by Tim Wheeler that appeared in the Daily World [The American Communist Party] celebrating her 95th birthday.
A review of Le Sueur's novel The Dread Road, containing biographical and bibliographical information.
A review of The Dread Road by Joe Napora
Return to the English 102 Syllabus
Return to the Joe Napora's Homepage
Return to the Ashland Community College Homepage