Grammar Log

WRIT 101 - Godwin, S.

Keeping track of your surface-level errors in a log will help you analyze your own error patterns.  Such a close look at your grammar will make you more likely to recognize and correct your own errors, making you a self-reliant self-editor.

Whenever I return a draft to you with corrections of your grammar and mechanics, make note of the following (Create a Word document; this should not be handwritten.): 

1.  The sentence or portion of text with the error.

2.  The name of the error and the section in your handbook that discusses that error.

3.  The corrected sentence or portion of text.

I will check your grammar log at least once during the semester. The completed log will be included either in your portfolio, or separately toward the end of the semester.  You will receive process credit for this assignment each time I check it. 

Number of entries:  The number of entries will likely correspond with the number and frequency of errors that you make.  I expect you to keep track of each type of error in each draft.  For instance, if you make ten comma splice errors in your first draft, you should record one or two of those errors, then move on to record another type of error from that draft, such as subject-verb agreement.

Here is a brief sample:

Sentence with error:

My grandmother was very ill at the time she had just been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Name of error and handbook reference:

Run-on

Prentice Hall Reference Guide section 10b page 109

Corrected sentence:

My grandmother was very ill at the time.  She had just been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Adapted from Dr. Gerald 09/04/09