Preparing Written Assignments

When preparing a written assignment in any of your subject areas, be it a short story, research paper, poem or paragraph, keep some of the following hints in mind:

1. Select a topic that can be clearly stated in a sentence of two;
2. Research your subject thoroughly, taking careful notes and keeping a list for a bibliography;
3. Write a rough outline of the subtopics that you wish to cover;
4. Discuss your work with others, asking for critical comments and suggestions for improvement;
5. Edit and completely re-write your work at least twice;
6. Make sure that your final draft looks neat and well organized.

1. Come to class on time and be prepared to do work. Each day you should have with you all required materials, e.g., pencil, pen, notebook, text, dictionary, and when necessary, compass, graph paper and/or calculator.
2. Make sure your homework has been completed and come to class prepared to ask questions for clarification.
3. Whenever possible, read over the next day’s lesson in your textbook. Even a 5-minute scan will give you a glimpse of what to expect and will make the next class more profitable.

1. Make sure you can see and hear properly from where you are seated; otherwise ask for a change in seating.
2. Participate fully in all lessons. You learn best by doing, not by just being present and listening.
3. Remember that you are surrounded by other students; work with them, not against them.
4. Clear up any difficulties regarding this lesson immediately. If you leave class confused, you are sure to have difficulty with the homework.
5. Work consistently during the period. Do not pack your books when there are 5 or 10 minutes remaining, for the work you complete in class lightens your homework load.

1. If you miss a class or more, call a friend to find out what you missed and complete this work at home.
2. Homework can be completed in class, at school, and at home; however do not get into the habit of finishing all your homework in school because you will probably be rushing through it and not getting full benefits.
3. Read your notes over nightly before beginning your homework.
4. If you have had difficulty with a lesson, see the teacher during the homework session, your lunch, study period, or a least, spend extra time on it at home. Ask about it the next day.

1. Take complete, neat notes. Date your work and underline titles, important definitions, facts, etc.
2. Summary Sheets – prepare a one-page summary sheet after each chapter. The sheet should contain terminology (definitions, etc.) and examples of important types of problems/questions.
3. Separate your notebook into:
   a) Theory Notes,
   b) Homework Assignments,
   c) Tests,
   d) Summary Sheets.

1. When a test is being reviewed in class, make any corrections necessary. If you did extremely poorly on a test, get a “clean” copy from the teacher and rewrite it for homework.
2. Eliminate problems when they occur, not days or weeks later. See your teacher for help before tests and/or the exam.
3. Work in groups at home and in school.
4. Tests will occur approximately every two weeks; therefore, review your notes every weekend to be better prepared.
5. Learn to read and understand your textbook. This is a skill which will become more and more important to you each year. If you are having difficulty with your homework, look at the notes and examples in your textbook; invariably, you will find help there.

Punctuation Rules

End Punctuation

1. Use a period after every statement, i.e. Summer is my favourite season.
2. Use a question mark after every question. i.e. Which seasons do you prefer?
3. Use an exclamation point after an exclamation. i.e. You’re kidding!
4. Use a period or an exclamation point after a command, depending on the force intended. i.e. Please give me an answer soon. – Answer me now!

1. Use commas to separate words, phrases and clauses in a series. i.e., My sister has traveled in Spain, Italy and Switzerland. We arrived on the scene, we assessed the situation and we chose a course of action.
2. Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined by and, but, or, nor, for, yet. i.e. Sunset Boulevard was an enjoyable musical, but Sleepless in Seattle was far superior.
3. Use a comma to set off introductory words and phrases. i.e. Yes, I realize I made an error. By the way, I can’t come to the meeting.
4. Use a comma to set off parenthetical words or phrases. i.e. We agreed, therefore, not to say anything.
5. Use commas to set off appositives. i.e. Mr. DeFazio, the principal of the school, addressed the students.

1. Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses not joined by: but or, and, nor, for, yet. i.e. Take with you only necessary items; leave behind anything heavy or bulky.
2. Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses joined by such words as: for example, nevertheless, however, consequently, therefore, i.e. Tensions rose during the meeting; nevertheless, most of the members remained calm.
3. Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses if there are commas within the clauses. i.e. The family consists of Judy and Harold, the parents; Dean and Miranda, the children; and Sam and James, the boarders.

1. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions like: as follows, or the following, i.e. The instructions to the students were as follows: read the question carefully, reflect on your answer, and watch the time.
2. Use a colon to separate two complete sentences not joined by a conjunction if the second statement explains or clarifies the first. i.e. I know the meaning of fear: I fought in the Second World War.