1. Do all the responses, especially the early ones.
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Get feedback and learn what I’m looking for.
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Give yourself breathing room in case of emergency.
2. Read the directions. Don’t skip to the questions.
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Requirements change. Include them all.
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Overlooking a requirement can fail the response.
3. You MUST meet the minimum word count.
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The question doesn’t count.
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Use the word count in your word processor.
4. Try to do more than the bare minimum.
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Minimum effort (with no mistakes) = minimum grade
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Try to make every response an S response.
5. Responses are critical writing. Essay, not journal.
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No personal likes, dislikes, or feelings about story.
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State and support ideas with reason and evidence.
6. Focus. Responses are short, so stay concise.
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I can tell when you are rambling to fill word count.
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Watch out for repetition. Say it once.
7. Don’t procrastinate! Procrastination = rushing.
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You are more likely to overlook requirements.
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You are more likely to overlook writing errors.
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You are more likely to summarize instead of argue.
8. Allow time for a
thorough proofread.
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Spell and grammar check your response.
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Read it out loud to catch mistakes.
