Grading Criteria

Papers and Other Written Assignments:

An “A” Paper:

1. Fully completes all parts of the assignment in a thoughtful and accurate manner.

2. Includes a concise and clear thesis or topic sentence.

3. Has an effective introduction and conclusion.

4. Provides support (examples, evidence) for arguments with adequate yet focused details.

5. Acknowledges and documents sources.

6. Is well organized.

7. Is free of grammatical and spelling errors.

8. Uses appropriate vocabulary and format.

9. Shows originality and creativity in completing the assignment.

10. Maintains a level of excellence throughout.

 A “B” paper does all of the above (1-10) in a superior way, but without the level of originality or creativity of an A paper and/or has some minor errors or flaws.

A “C” paper does all of the above (1-10) in a satisfactory manner but includes more (or more serious) errors or flaws.

A “D” paper is missing some of the above (1-10) and/or includes many serious and minor errors or flaws. (Rough drafts without additional work often resemble a C or D paper.)

An “F” paper is missing many of the above (1-10) and/or includes many serious and minor errors or flaws.

Exams (for short answer and essay questions):

An “A” Exam Answer

1. Fully responds to all parts of the question in a thoughtful manner.

2. Provides accurate responses to all parts of the question.

3. Provides support (examples, evidence) for arguments with adequate yet focused details, if applicable.

4. Is well organized.

5. Is free of grammatical and spelling errors.

6. Maintains a level of excellence throughout.

A “B” answer does all of the above (1-6) in a superior way, but without the level of originality or creativity of an A answer and/or has some minor errors or flaws.

A “C” answer does all of the above (1-6) in a satisfactory manner but includes more (or more serious) errors or flaws.

A “D” answer is missing some of the above (1-6) and/or includes many serious and minor errors or flaws.