I teach Composition I & II - or English 101 and 102, whichever you prefer. 101 focuses on basic academic writing skills, while 102 focuses on academic argument.

In a recent meeting with my fellow adjuncts, a colleague mentioned that she usually writes 10 comments per essay page. This seemed absurd to me, as most of us teach two or three classes of 27 students, who write at least four 4-6 page essays over the course of the quarter -- in addition to other homework.

I write three comments per page, focusing on the content, and then one end comment. I highlight grammar issues and often recommend a resource to help students who are struggling with a specific issue (comma splices, run-on sentences, fragments, etc.) but I wanted to know how other folks approach essay grading.

Specifically:

How many comments do you generally write on a student essay?
Do you correct grammar and/or spelling mistakes?
Do you write end comments?
Roughly how long does it take you to grade one essay?
Anything else you do that works especially well?

Thanks!