Information About the Diagnostic Essay

The Composition Program suggests that all instructors of all composition classes have students complete a writing sample or diagnostic essay during the first week of classes. In this course, the diagnostic essay focuses on the reading read for and discussed during the second day of the course (Turkle's "Identity in the Age of the Internet," pp. 5-11 in Composing Cyberspace). As part of the preparation for the discussion on the second day of class, you should have completed a written reading summary/response using the questions posed in Analyzing an Argument. This and issues raised and discussed in class should help you respond to question #6 on p. 63 in the text. Respond only to the second of the two questions asked. While the essay will be written in class, you may prepare a list of your major points and/or an outline prior to class to use in writing the essay. You will have one half hour to write, and should write at least one, but no more than 2, double spaced pages. You may handwrite your essay if you prefer, in which case you should adjust the page length accordingly.

The diagnostic essay will not be graded with a letter grade, but using a check, check/plus, plus system. It counts toward the "participation" segment of the final grade, and really is used more as a benchmark for your writing than for any other purpose. It will allow me to assess your writing and determine if you should be given help in such areas as grammar, style, and mechanics, or if you should perhaps schedule some appointments in the ALS Writing Lab. It also gives you a chance to see the types of comments and suggestions I make in response to your work prior to completing a graded assignment.

Last updated 09/24/00