Evaluating papers & essays
 

1. Problem identification

wanting
promising
accomplished
1
2
3
4
5
6
  • does not define problem
  • unfocused introduction
  • no outline of paper
  • some outline of problem
  • superficial presentation
  • weak overview of paper
  • precise identification
  • outlines different aspects of the issue
  • presents overview of the paper

 

2. Analysis and synthesis

wanting
promising
accomplished
1
2
3
4
5
6
  • little evidence of analysis
  • no evaluation of evidence
  • no quotations
  • unexamined value judgements
  • demonstrates basic analysis
  • evaluates sources
  • some contrasting discussion
  • fair quotations
  • examines material in detail
  • defines components and their relation to the whole
  • clearly synthesizes implications

3. Discussion of context

wanting
promising
accomplished
1
2
3
4
5
6
  • own bias dominant
  • no sufficient context
  • does not engage assumptions
  • recognition of context
  • consideration of assumptions
  • discussion of some implications
  • engages complexity
  • contrasts different values
  • discusses own biases

 

4. Different perspectives

wanting
promising
accomplished
1
2
3
4
5
6
  • only single perspective
  • fails to discuss other views
  • biased
  • mentions alternative views
  • tentative discussion
  • own point of view dominating
  • engages other perspectives
  • unbiased discussion
  • questions own points of view

 

5. Conclusion

wanting
promising
accomplished
1
2
3
4
5
6
  • ends abruptly
  • no summary of discussion
  • raises new questions
  • fair overview
  • lack of emphasis
  • concise overview of results
  • suggests ramifications

 

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Contexts to consider:

Cultural/social
Group, national, ethnic behavior/attitude
 Scientific
Conceptual, basic science, scientific method
Educational
Schooling, formal training
Economic
Trade, business concerns costs
Technological
Applied science, engineering
Ethical
Values
Political
Organizational or governmental
 Personal Experience
Personal observation, informal character

 

want•ing (wntng, wôn-) adj.
1. Absent; lacking.
2. Not measuring up to standards or expectations.
prep.
1. Without.
2. Minus; less: an hour wanting 15 minutes.

1. wanting - nonexistent; "the thumb is absent"; "her appetite was lacking" absent, lacking, missing nonexistent - not having existence or being or actuality; "chimeras are nonexistent"
2. wanting - inadequate in amount or degree; "a deficient education"; "deficient in common sense"; "lacking in stamina"; "tested and found wanting" deficient, lacking inadequate, unequal - lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task; "inadequate training"; "the staff was inadequate"; "she was unequal to the task"


prom•is•ing (prm-sng) adj.
Likely to develop in a desirable manner.

1. promising - showing possibility of achievement or excellence; "a promising young man"
likely - has a good chance of being the case or of coming about; "these services are likely to be available to us all before long"; "she is likely to forget"; "a likely place for a restaurant"; "the broken limb is likely to fall"; "rain is likely"; "a likely topic for investigation"; "likely candidates for the job"
2. promising - full or promise; "had a bright future in publishing"; "the scandal threatened an abrupt end to a promising political career"; "a hopeful new singer on Broadway"
hopeful, bright
auspicious - auguring favorable circumstances and good luck; "an auspicious beginning for the campaign"


ac•com•plished (-kmplsht) adj.
1. Skilled; expert: an accomplished pianist.
2. Having many social graces; polished or refined.

1. accomplished - highly skilled; "an accomplished pianist"; "a complete musician;" skilled - having or showing or requiring special skill; "only the most skilled gymnasts make an Olympic team"; "a skilled surgeon has many years of training and experience"; "a skilled reconstruction of her damaged elbow"; "a skilled trade"
2. accomplished - successfully completed or brought to an end; "his mission accomplished he took a vacation"; "the completed project"; "the joy of a realized ambition overcame him;" completed, realised, realized; complete - having every necessary or normal part or component or step; "a complete meal"; "a complete wardrobe"; "a complete set of the Britannica"; "a complete set of china"; "a complete defeat"; "a complete accounting"

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/

KA, Spring 2008