This is a revision to the final paper. I got a very low score on it. Please see the requirements below and the comments on the attached original document. (Basically, use the same paper and just adjust based on the graders comments)
Ten Step Self-Check for Written Work
Before submitting your assignments, ask yourself:
1) Did I address each item specified in the assignment instructions?
a) It is helpful to hold the assignment instructions just next to your draft and read through each item requested for your assignment. Make sure you have covered each item indicated in the instructions.
2) Is my writing clear?
a) Reread your text for wording errors, repetitive text, ambiguous statements, and the like.
3) Is my writing well-organized?
a) Remember, your writing should be organized into paragraphs, as appropriate for your work; sometimes, bulleted lists or charts may be included as well. Each paragraph should contain at least four sentences that all relate to a single main idea for that paragraph.
b) It is sometimes helpful to follow a guideline like the MEAL plan to format your work. In the MEAL plan, each paragraph is structured in the following way:
c) Main idea- the first sentence states the main idea of the paragraph.
d) Evidence-evidence is provided to support the main idea (one or more sentences).
e) Analysis-the writer then synthesizes the evidence and states the significance of that information provided at the Evidence stage (devote one or more sentences to Analysis).
f) Lead out-this sentence provides closure for the paragraph, and it may lead into the ideas you will present in the paragraph that follows.
4) Did I use only quality, credible information sources to inform my draft?
a) Good sources of information include peer-reviewed journal articles, .gov, .edu, and reputable .org (like the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus) websites. Avoid .com websites, blogs, vlogs, and. orgs with unknown reputation.
5) Do I have citations for every piece of factual information I have shared?
a) This usually means citations after at least a three sentences per paragraph, for research papers.
b) Even if you are sharing information contained in the course textbook or readings provided by your instructor, make sure to provide a citation.
c) Make sure to place quotation marks around any direct quotes you share from the text, as well as an in-text citation.
6) Did I include a reference for each citation formatted in the style of the American Psychological Association (APA)?
i) Detailed instructions for formatting citations according to APA can be found on the Purdue Owl website or in ASU’s APA Guide: https://tutoring.asu.edu/sites/default/files/apa_citations_and_formating_1.pdf (Links to an external site.)
b) APA-formatted reference lists should be:
i) On a separate page
ii) Titled References, centered
iii) Double-spaced
iv) Hanging indent
7) Have I removed all informal language so that my writing is appropriate for an academic context? Informal language includes:
a) Idioms, cliches, and figures of speech- For academic writing, all words should literally mean what the writer intends them to mean. So, figures of speech like “eye-opening, heat of the moment, split second, truth be told, etc.” must be replaced with literal descriptors. Instead of eye-opening, try raised awareness, for example.
b) Personal pronouns- Write “people with cardiovascular disease,” instead of, “when you have cardiovascular disease,” for example).
c) Informal words, like pretty (as in pretty much), hardly, a lot, wound up, etc.
d) Contractions- For academic and professional writing, it is best to write out all words. Instead of can’t write cannot; instead of won’t, write will not; etc.
8) Have I written out all numbers ten and under and numbers at the beginning of sentences?
9) Is my work formatted appropriately? This includes
a) Titling and subject headings appropriate for the assignment.
b) A standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, is preferred unless otherwise specified.
c) A font size of 10-12 is generally considered appropriate for academic and professional writing.
d) Both the style and size of font of the body of the writing (headings, footnotes, and the like are not included) should be consistent throughout the draft.
10) Have I checked spelling, spacing, and punctuation?
a) It is best to complete writing assignments at least 24 hours before the assignment due date. Then, return to your writing to proofread. It will be easier to spot errors in spelling, spacing, and punctuation after having set your work aside for a period of time, preferably overnight.
b) Pay attention to any text that Word has underlined in your draft. Usually, Word is effective in identifying problematic text, so it is best not to ignore the suggestions Word offers. Right click on any underlined text to see Word’s suggestion for correction and address any issues identified by Word before submitting your drafts for grading.
