english literature
Writing Assignment Guidelines: The Lives of Others The prompt for the fourth writing assignment is: Does James Joyce’s “Grace” or Katherine Mansfield’s “The Garden Party” offer a more sympathetic treatment of the lives of the poor? (Please note: there is not a correct answer to this question. Rather, you should consider the two works carefully, decide on your response, and then present the best evidence you have in favor of your position). Your answers should be submitted via Turnitin by 11.55 pm on Monday 12 June 2017. It should be 250 words. 10% either side is permissible, but pieces that are longer than 275 words, or shorter than 225, are liable to lose one letter grade. This limit applies to the text of your response; it does not include the title or works cited information. (Remember: the point is not simply to write down everything you can think of. Rather, give the topic some thought during the “discovery” process and decide what your argument is and what the best evidence is you have to support that argument. At that point you should start crafting your response(i.e. working on the “presentation” of the argument). As always, the assignment will be assessed on the basis of the following rubric (see next page): A (48) The writing assignment is strong in all three areas. It provides a clear argument, the evidence provided is strong and supports that particular argument, and the work as a whole is well presented, with no writing errors. B (43) The writing assignment is strong in two areas, but falls down significantly in one area. The writing assignment contains a relatively strong argument and some textual evidence, but there is a slight lack of focus in the argument and evidence. There might be one or two writing slips. C (38) The writing assignment is strong in one area, but falls down in two areas. (For example, it might be well written and presented, but the argument and evidence are below the expected standard). The argument lacks clarity and/ or the evidence is not connected to the argument as well as it might be. There might also be some minor writing or formatting errors. D (33) The writing assignment has significant weaknesses. The argument may not be clear, there might be little or no textual evidence, or the evidence may not relate to the argument. There are also likely to be errors in the writing and formatting. F (25) The writing assignment does not meet the minimum expectations in terms of making an argument, supporting that argument with evidence, and presenting the argument in a clear fashion. Please note: if you do not submit an assignment, you will score “0” for the assignment. This will have a significant impact on your overall grade.