While correct grammar and usage are basic ecpectations in all kinds of writing, the larger aspects such as content and development are given far greater weight than style and mechanics, especially at the cllege level. In a 100-point paper, for example, perhaps 80% of the score will go to content and development while only 20% will be allocated to style and mechanics. What might be the logic behind such an approach?
What's the purpose of writing anything?
is that yourlogic behind such an approach
In college, the focus is to teach you to THINK - putting ideas together, exploring possibilities, making intellectual discoveries.
Hopefully, HS has giving you the mechanics to communicate these. If it didn't then you need to do some serious mechanical review.
You also need to keep in mind that if the mechanics of your writing (spelling, punctuation, grammar, usage, etc.) is so bad that the content cannot be read, the paper will probably receive a zero until it becomes readable!
The logic behind allocating a significant portion of the score to content and development, as opposed to style and mechanics, is rooted in the overall purpose of academic writing. At the college level, the focus shifts from simply assessing grammar and usage to evaluating critical thinking, analysis, and the ability to present complex ideas effectively.
1. Emphasizing content and development: Giving the majority of the score to content and development encourages students to invest their energy in researching, analyzing, and presenting well-constructed arguments. It acknowledges that the substance of the writing, such as the depth of research, clarity of ideas, logical reasoning, and evidence, is more important than the surface-level aspects of grammar and style.
2. Reflecting real-world skills: In professional contexts, the primary goal of writing is often to communicate ideas effectively and persuasively. By placing a greater weight on content and development, colleges aim to prepare students for the demands they will encounter in their future careers, where the focus will be on conveying ideas rather than adherence to strict grammatical rules.
3. Encouraging critical thinking and analysis: Writing is a means of developing and expressing thoughts. By assigning a higher weight to content and development, colleges encourage students to engage in higher-order thinking, such as synthesizing information, analyzing arguments, and incorporating original insights. This prioritization helps cultivate skills that are essential for lifelong learning and professional success.
4. Fostering creativity and voice: Placing more emphasis on content and development allows students to express their unique perspectives and voice. It encourages them to explore their ideas deeply, present original arguments, and engage with complex topics. This emphasis supports the development of individuality and intellectual growth.
5. Eliminating biases: By reducing the influence of style and mechanics on the final grade, the assessment becomes more objective and fair. This approach ensures that students with diverse linguistic backgrounds, learning challenges, or unconventional writing styles are not unfairly penalized, as long as they can effectively communicate their ideas.
It is important to note that while style and mechanics may receive a smaller percentage of the score, they still play a crucial role in enhancing the readability and credibility of a piece of writing. Neglecting them entirely would undermine the overall effectiveness of communication. However, the higher weightage given to content and development reflects the understanding that effective communication goes beyond grammatical correctness and relies on well-developed ideas and arguments.