New Assignment

1. The first paragraph sets the stage for your paper; you will lay the groundwork for your thesis. You need to briefly discuss the basis of your values (i.e., family influences). This is the only time during the paper that you will discuss the past. The paper is about your future as governed by your values, not about how you got your values or what your values are based on. Do not discuss the values clarification process or the importance of values. I am your reader and know these things. The last sentence of the first paragraph must contain your thesis and it must be underlined. It has to state (& be in bold and underlined) “I will discuss who I am in terms of the important values that shape my personal belief system and decision making framework that, in essence, describes the direction of my life . Initial_______

2. Don’t list and/or define your values + do not tell how you got your values (other than in 1st paragraph as per above). I will already have read your definitions. Remember, I will not grade your paper until you give me your list of 20 definitions. Tell me how they work together to guide your future life path life. Remember that this paper is the basis of you final paper in which you will tell me what your ideal life will be like 5, 10 & 15+ years from now. Initial_______

3. Make sure you use transitions (between paragraphs and between the ideas in the paragraph). These transitions show how your values fit together; it’s often good to discuss two, three, or more values together. Remember your topic sentence needs to reflect this combination. Also, fully develop all paragraphs. .Initial_______

4. Don’t talk about my values and/or other people’s values. Remember if you write: “You should be honest”—the you here refers to me & the purpose of your paper is not to tell your instructor what values he should have (that’s my wife’s job!). This paper is about your values, not the values you feel other people should or don’t have. Initial_______

5. Proof read carefully. Watch punctuation, spelling, grammar and sentence structure. Also, avoid slang (i.e., a lot, save a buck, etc.). Additionally, pay particular attention to wordiness—simplify and condense. Read your sentences aloud. If they sound awkward &/or not the way you typically speak, you probably need to change them. Also, avoid “very,” “I believe,” and “I feel.” .Initial_______

6. You don’t need to talk about all your selected values; in fact, most people don’t. Do identify your values, enabling me to know what you are discussing is one of your values (i.e., Respect and truth, two of my other strongly held values, are closely linked to my belief in the importance of family). .Initial_______

7. Your summary is very important! If I’m only able to read the summary, I’ll know who you are as per your key values. .Initial_______