Writer's Tool Box
RUBRICS
STAAR Expository
NOTES
MAPS
BUBBLE
SKEE
FLEE
Medlin Writing Non-Negotiables
1. Write in complete sentences -- no sentence fragments or run-on sentences
2. Indent each paragraph.
3. Write sentences with proper subject/verb agreement.
4. Write in a consistent verb tense throughout compositions.
5. Edit using the CUPS method.
C Use correct capitalization.
a. all proper nouns
b. the pronoun “I”
c. the first letter at the beginning of a sentence
d. the first word and all important words in titles
U Employ proper usage of the following homonyms:
a. to, two, too
b. were, where, wear, we’re
c. there, their, they’re
d. your, you’re
e. our, are
P Use correct end punctuation.
a. a period at the end of declarative and imperative sentences
b. a question mark at the end of an interrogative sentence
c. an exclamation mark at the end of an exclamatory sentence
d. an apostrophe only to show possession or to form a contraction
S Follow the rules of spelling.
a. use a dictionary, spell-check, or peer editing when appropriate
b. absolutely no “text language” or non-standard abbreviations (i.e.: ‘cause/cuz, lol, u, i, ur, ima, 2, gonna, wanna, kinda, etc.)
Papers that do not meet these basic standards will not be accepted. Students may incur late penalties in these errors are not corrected prior to deadline.