WRITING STANDARDS

The following writing standards have been compiled by the Earth Science Department.  We are in the process of formally adopting these standards for all Earth Science and Geography classes.

            We recognize that having fundamental writing skills is critical for success not only at Cerritos College but in your future endeavors as well,

            whatever they may be. Basic writing skills transcend your traditional English classes and are applicable to nearly all courses that you may take at

            Cerritos or other institutions.

            Recognizing the importance of writing skills, the Earth Science faculty believes it is our professional responsibility to do all that we can

            to insure that students leave Cerritos College having demonstrated a mastery of basic writing skills.  To that end, the following

            outlines the writing expectations for all students taking courses offered by the Earth Science department.  

In order to receive a grade of "C" or better (on any one writing assignment, including short answer/essay questions on exams) the student's writing must MEET or EXCEED the criteria noted below as they may apply to the assigned writing.

Section A: A brief writing work including in-class essays and short-answer exam questions.

    ·  Write clear, logically organized sentences having correct spelling, grammar, and use of punctuation.

    ·  Organize sentences into well-constructed paragraphs.

Section B: Longer writing work including research and discussion papers and essays.

        ·   Write clear, logically organized sentences having correct spelling, grammar, and use of punctuation.

        ·  Organize sentences into well-constructed paragraphs.

        ·   Include a well thought out thesis, or claim, statement that establishes the central theme    of the writing.

         ·  Develop supporting evidence in logically organized successive paragraphs that focus on proving the central them or thesis.