Evaluation of Essays

The A paper:

l.         A title that is interesting, appropriate, and reflects the paper’s content.

2.      A thesis that is a clear statement of subject and purpose.

3.      A thesis that is developed and supported by relevant and specific details in an original manner.

4.      Organized development of a distinct beginning, middle, and end.

5.      A beginning paragraph that attracts the reader’s attention, states the thesis, and gives an overview of the issues without including additional subjects.

6.      A middle that supports and develops the main ideas in a logical and organized order and adheres to unity and clarity of expression.

7.      A concluding paragraph that resolves the thesis in an effective and interesting statement.

8.      A clear transition within and between paragraphs.

9.      Diction that is effective, expressive, and concrete without the use of cliches, slang, and trite expressions.

10.  Sentence structure that is coherent and varies according to type and length with no runons or fragments.

11.  Proper mechanics including agreement of subject and verb, consistent tenses, pronoun and antecedent agreement, well-placed modifiers, and correct spelling and punctuation. No second or third person unless indicated.

12.  Appropriate use of primary and secondary sources with the proper citations according to MLA.

The B paper:

l.         A moderately interesting but appropriate title.

2.      A thesis that is a clear statement of subject and purpose.

3.      A thesis that is adequately but not as interestingly developed and supported by relevant and specific details.

4.      Adequate development of a beginning, middle, and end.

5.      A beginning paragraph that states the thesis and gives an overview of the issues.

6.      A middle that supports and develops the main ideas in a logical order and adheres to unity and clarity of expression.

7.      A concluding paragraph that resolves the thesis in an effective manner.

8.      A clear transition within and between paragraphs.

9.      Diction that is effective without the use of cliches, slang, and trite expressions.

10.  Sentence structure is coherent and generally varies as to type and length.

11.  Minor mechanical errors.

12.  Appropriate use of primary and secondary sources with the proper citations.

Minor errors and a lessening of originality of thought and expression dictate the difference between an A and a B paper.

The C paper:

            l.Title is bland.

            2.Thesis is vague .

            3. Thesis has adequate support.

            4. Adequate development of a beginning, middle, and end.

                  5. A beginning paragraph that states the thesis but may contain extraneous ideas.

6. A middle that begins to lose focus and does not adequately develop or   

    support  the main idea but maintains unity and clarity.

7. A concluding paragraph that resolves the thesis.

8. Transition within and between paragraphs.

9. Diction is appropriate.

10. Sentence structure is satisfactory but has limited variety; may contain runons

     or fragments.

11. Errors in mechanics, spelling, and punctuation.

13.  Errors in the use of primary and secondary sources and citations.

A predictable paper with little originality, vague ideas, adequate development, and increasing rhetorical and mechanical mistakes define the C paper.

The D paper:

            l. A vague title.

            2. Thesis does not predict paper.

3.Little development or support of thesis.

4. Little development of a beginning, middle, or end.

5. A beginning paragraph that has no thesis or indication of the topics.

6. Poor organization of ideas.

7. A vague concluding paragraph that does not resolve the thesis.

8. Lack of transition within and between paragraphs.

9. Ineffective diction; problems with syntax.

10. Lack of clarity or variety of sentences; runons and fragments.

11. Major errors in spelling, punctuation, and usage.

12. Major errors in the use of primary and secondary sources and citations;   

      secondary support may be lacking.

The F paper:

            l. Lack of thesis.

            2. No development or support of ideas.

            3. No organization or logic to presentation.

            4. Lack of coherence or unity.

            5. No transition within or between paragraphs.

            6. Ineffective diction; problems with syntax.

            7. Ineffective construction of sentences and paragraphs.

            8. Consistent errors on all levels of writing.

            9. Major errors in the use of primary and secondary sources and citations;

                secondary sources may be lacking.

            10. Lack of adherence to the policies of writing in this class: paper not typed or

              double spaced, no rough draft, did not adhere to MLA format, or submitted late.