CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
A – EXCELLENT (80-100) A markedly exceptional performance
Original, creative and insightful; paper goes beyond repeating what others have said; contributes new ideas
Comprehensive, in-depth grasp of the policy and relevant issues
Excellent use of relevant sources; good breadth of sources
Awareness of different viewpoints; rigorous assessment of these
Critical thinking demonstrated in the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the policy
Thoughtful argument presented, supported by evidence and defended logically
Clear, fluent, concise writing style; logically structured paper
Virtually flawless mastery of mechanics: grammar, structure, style and referencing
B – B+ - SUPERIOR (70-79) Clearly above Average Performance
Thorough grasp of subject matter of policy and course material
Awareness of differing viewpoints demonstrated and assessed
Good use of relevant sources
Paper goes beyond description to analysis, interpretation, synthesis and evaluation
An argument presented and logically argued; appropriate supporting evidence is presented
Clear writing style which communicates well and presents a logical, reasonable argument; may have occasional minor flaws in mechanics
C – C+ - SATISFACTORY (60-69) – A Fully Competent Paper
Basic grasp of subject matter of policy and course material
Accurate information incorporating relevant sources is conveyed
Use of relevant sources; adequate breadth of sources
An argument is adopted and logically argued
An adequate analysis, interpretation, synthesis and evaluation
An acceptable writing style demonstrates and awareness of and attention to the principles of paragraph development, sentence structure, grammar and spelling
D – POOR (50-59) Marginally acceptable
Lack of familiarity with the policy or course material is demonstrated through omission of key material or through misinterpretation of key concepts or issues.
Limited or poor use of sources
Lack of critical thinking demonstrated: describes rather than analyses; without supporting evidence; relevance of supporting evidence questionable
An argument is not adopted, is hard to determine, or is inconsistent with the information presented in the paper
Written expression requires improvement in basic mechanics
F – Failure (0-49)
Failure to properly reference and acknowledge the source of quotations and paraphrases:
- Direct quotations not in quotation marks and/or missing appropriate reference note.
- Paraphrases not clearly distinguished as coming from a source (missing either an appropriate set-up or a reference note.
- Misleading or inaccurate bibliography
Serious problems similar to those in D above.
Handout #1: CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING ESSAYS
1. Thesis - (your response to the question):
clear, focused, on topic, takes a position
2. Your Argument:
argument builds to support thesis throughout essay
identify the central issues
distinguish between major and subordinate arguments
consistent, logical, coherent, persuasive
3. Analysis of Key Concepts:
contextual analysis not dictionary definitions
clear understanding of approaches discussed in class
4. Comprehensiveness:
identifies the important course readings and reflects class discussions
account for strengths and weaknesses of each approach
assess both pro and con positions
original and inventive
5. Analysis of sources:
appropriate illustrations and examples
quotations properly introduced and commented on
comprehensive discussion of issues and relevant course material
6. Factual Accuracy, plausibility
includes relevant facts
free of irrelevant or redundant material
ORGANIZATION AND STYLE
7. Introductory Paragraph
presents your topic and thesis, including your
argument (claim and supporting reasons)
8. Paragraph Unity: (each paragraph)
clear identification of theme of paragraph (topic sentence)
develop evidence and argument linked to thesis
9. Paragraph Construction: (overall)
continuity between paragraphs
coherence of overall structure
10. Mechanics:
Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar
Proper Referencing - MLA style (failure to properly reference = F on paper)
Proofread, corrected and properly formatted
