Academic writing - meeting 7

Hello everyone - happy new year!

In our next meeting, on the 10th I'll be giving back your work and discussing what we are going to write at the following meeting, which will be our last class of the semester. Because you will be writing on the 24th I shan't give signatures until the 7th of Feb. by which time everyone should have enough positive marks* to pass and have handed in their long essay.

Speaking of which, I have had an e-mail pointing out to me that I originally talked about a longer piece of less than 1000 words and then posted below that you should write at least 2000, so let me clear up any confusion. My idea about that piece of work did change, partly becuase of my disappointment at the standard of some of your work and partly because so many people joined the groups late and missed the first essays; however, on reflection I think the longer limit of 2000-2500 is probably a bit much and will only increase the temptation to 'borrow' chunks of writing from other sources. I have decided, therefore, to accept works in the 750-1000 words range. If you have already written more than that, don't despair! You will recieve a double mark - meaning that your work will count as two pieces in the second semester and you may miss an essay later on. My apologies for any confusion but I hope you'll be happier to work to the lower limit.

* this was supposed to be 4 but since the composition of the group has changed so much I shall be flexible. I'll tell you individually at the next meeting how many more you need.