Outline on
Grammar Mechanics
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 Grammar Mechanics are evaluated on every assignment, written & oral
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 Spelling is evaluated
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 There are common grammar problems in papers & presentations
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 There are common diction problems in papers & presentations
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 There are common style problems in papers & presentations
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Grammar Mechanics are evaluated on every assignment, written & oral
 See the section on mechanics for specifics on good writing
 & speaking mechanics. 
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Spelling is evaluated
You must run spell-check AND proof read for errors. 
Spell-check alone will leave errors by missing inappropriate synonyms and by changing words to a similar but incorrect words.
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There are common grammar problems in papers & presentations
Below is a list of major grammatical elements which are important for a well written paper.
  • Punctuation
  • Capitalization
  • No major sentence faults such as fragments, run-ons, and comma splices
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Pronoun-antecedent agreement
  • Case
  • Dangling modifiers
  • Write in the present tense
  • Write in the third person
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There are common diction problems in papers & presentations
Below is a list of major diction related elements which are important for a well written paper.
  • Appropriate word use
  • College level vocabulary
  • Appropriate vocabulary for the purpose, subject and the audience
  • Definitions of social science and appropriate terms
  • Use of professional/formal language 
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There are common style problems in papers & presentations
Below is a list of major style related elements which are important for a well written paper.
  •  Vary sentence length and type
  •  Active voice
  •  Formal tone appropriate for the topic
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