Criteria for Evaluating Papers

When grading essay questions and any written assignments, the following standards will apply to my grading.

An "A" paper has the following elements: Good, clear thesis statement. Good, clear arguments; each argument supported by evidence and/or plausible example. May offer unique arguments or evidence that others missed. Paper is well organized with few errors in sentence structure, spelling and mechanics. See the Writing Tips page to avoid some of the more common mistakes. Paper has the appropriate citations for quotes and specialized information (remember – give credit where credit is due). Complete and informative bibliography/works cited page (if necessary).

• A "B" paper has the following elements:
• An adequate description of the problem.
• Thesis statement is clear, but more weakly stated than in an "A" paper.
• Advances good arguments and tries to supply evidence or example to back up each one.
• Generally a good job. Clearly written with few errors.
• Reference page is informative (if necessary).

• A "C" paper must have some description of the problem, a thesis, an argument and evidence.  However, a "C" will have one or more of the following characteristics:
• Incomplete description of the problem.
• Failure to address intended audience (assumes reader knows the issue; reason or evidence left unstated).
• Weak or unclear thesis statement.
• Arguments are advanced, but they are not clearly stated, often no evidence or example is offered.
• May evidence problems with articulation of ideas, transitions, organization, or spelling and mechanics.

• A "D" paper may have one or more of the following characteristics:
• Doesn't describe problem.
• Weakly organized, poor development of idea, little or no evidence offered in support of arguments made.
• Overquotes.
• No evidence of having read or used reference source.
• Generally sloppy with too many typos, misspelled words and poor articulation.
• No reference page.
• Inaccurate information.

• An "F":
• Didn't do the paper.
• Plagiarism. This is also an Honor Code violation.
• Didn't do paper as assigned.