Earth Science Department Writing Standards

The Earth Science Department faculty recognizes that having fundamental writing skills is critical to success at Cerritos College and beyond. We acknowledge that these skills transcend traditional English composition classes impacting nearly the College’s entire curriculum, including the sciences and math. Accordingly, the Earth Science Department 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 this document outlines the writing expectations for all students taking coursework from the faculty of the Earth

Science Department. The faculty of the Earth Science Department also agrees that in order for a student to receive a grade of “C”, or better (on any one writing assignment) the student’s writing must meet or exceed the criteria noted below as they may apply to the assigned writing.

Standards

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

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

2) Organize sentences into well-constructed paragraphs.

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

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

2) Organize sentences into well-constructed paragraphs.

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

4) Develop supporting evidence in logically organized successive paragraphs that focus on proving the central theme or thesis.