The first paper you are responsible for is a typed, doubled-spaced, short (2 page, 500 words)

paper. Since this is an attempt to get a sense of your writing level, write coherently and well.
Include title page information and, if you have used another's ideas or words.

Remember to have a thesis statement that introduces your paper, followed by sentences that
specify, in order, what the body of your paper will be about. The body of your essay will draw
upon the statements made in the introduction and provide more information and proofs to
support your argument.

Write on the topic below.

1)- What is the best strategy for attracting the professor’s attention in a zoom class if you want to
get a good class participation grade?

Note: This is not meant to be a story, but rather you need to outline the methods you believe will
work when making sure the professor notices you, and explain why those strategies are the best.

When it comes time to submit your essay, make sure it is in a format I can read, such as Word
for Windows, PDF (I would rather not have a PDF since they are a pain to mark, so try to get a
word--which can be read by a PC--copy to me), or RTF format, and email it to me as an
attachment. Make the subject line of your email: "Diagnostic Essay for English 1400 - Your
Name" and the name of your file "Your Name - First Essay."

If you are uncertain how to attach files, do not try to email your paper from MS Word. The way
to attach a document to an email is to save the paper on your computer, and then open your email
program, whatever it is. Put my address in To: address spot, change the subject line to the name I
suggest in the topics, and attach the paper by clicking on the paperclip icon (icon may vary
depending on program). That way you are actually attaching the paper instead of having some
onedrive access granted or using some other dodgy method. Note that you should make sure the
name of the file you are sending has both your name and the essay title (ie. First Essay).

I will confirm the receipt of each essay I can read once it has arrived, so that you know I have it
when it is due. Please make sure you check your email to receive that confirmation. If not, that
means I have not recovered your paper and you will need to resend in order to submit it on time.
If you have sent the paper at two in the morning, please allow me enough time to respond before
you send me multiple emails about not receiving a confirmation.