Orange County High School
English Department Writing Mandates

The following guidelines will be used on all formal writing assignments for all students. Students will complete at least seven formal assignments. These assignments will each count as a test grade. Formal writing assignments will include all types of essays.

The following are absolutes.
Papers that do not meet these requirements will earn a zero.
Minimum length: The essay must be at least 300 words.
Subject Matter: Unless otherwise specified by the teacher, there should be no sexual or violent content. Also, the illegal use of drugs is not to be part of the content. Profanity will not be acceptable.
Form: All assignments must be neat and written in blue or black pen on standard notebook paper or be typed on white paper in 12-14 point in a standard font. Students may write only on every other line maintaining straight margins on both sides. Essays may be written on only one side of the paper.

 

Introduction:

The introduction must be at least five sentences

Body:

Each paragraph must have specific examples. The teacher will give minimum sentence length for each assignment.

Conclusion:

The conclusion must be at least three sentences.

Unacceptable Words:

Students may not use the word you at any time unless it is in a quotation.
Students may not use the expressions In this paper or In this paragraph.
Students may not use Well, Like, or See at the beginning of a sentence.
Students may not overuse the word then.

Proofreading:

All writing assignments must be proofread before being turned in for a grade.

Grading:

All writing assignments will be graded according to a rubric which follows the SOL standards.