Writing is much more a skill than a talent, and so can be taught, learned, and, most importantly, practiced. There are simply stages of better and better writing. Writers revise, because good piece of writing does not happen out of the blue, nor is there such a thing as a piece of writing that is perfect and cannot be revised. It also requires you to think critically and logically, which is why so many college teachers use it to measure student progress. Writers always write for an audience, and frequently write in collaboration with one or more friends, colleagues, teachers, editors, supervisors, or fellow group members.
Early drafts receive no final judgments.
So while you will receive extensive comments on your class essays describing their strengths and weaknesses, early essays will not be letter-graded. I will of course always be willing and happy to talk with you concerning your progress relative to your initial efforts and potential abilities in this class. You should also purchase two or three sturdy pocket folders to use for handing in your essays and keeping track of your collaborative assignments and portfolio revisions. As part of AC's commitment to helping students learn to use and benefit from computer technology, this section of English 14 will take advantage of the computer classroom in Abell Library for several of its assignments. Special software will enhance the collaborative writing exercises and assist your efforts in drafting and revision.