ANTH EXAM
Grading Rubric
Short Answer
4-5 points- Answer is concise and reflects a good understanding of the concepts to be defined. Every
aspect of the question is addressed. Spelling and grammatical errors are minimal to non-existent.
2-3 points- Answer reflects an understanding of the concept, but some points are vague or irrelevant.
Some aspects of the question are not addressed. Some spelling and grammatical errors are present.
1 point (or below)- Answer reflects a misunderstanding of the concept. Aspects of the question are not
addressed. Spelling and grammatical errors are abundant.
Short Essay
8-10 points- Answer is concise and reflects a good understanding of the concepts to be defined. Every
aspect of the question is addressed. Spelling and grammatical errors are minimal to non-existent.
5-7 points- Answer reflects an understanding of the concept, but some points are vague or irrelevant.
Some aspects of the question are not addressed. Some spelling and grammatical errors are present.
4 points (or below)- Answer reflects a misunderstanding of the concept. Aspects of the question are not
addressed. Spelling and grammatical errors are abundant.
Long Essay
13-15 points- Student clearly understands the concepts in the question, and demonstrates that
understanding by combining information from the assigned reading and the lecture material.
Student answers largely in his or her own words, and does not overly rely on quotes from the course
material. Student addresses all aspects of the question.
Student uses proper paragraph structure to compose the essay. Each paragraph follows logically from the
previous paragraph. Essay begins with an introductory paragraph and ends with a concluding paragraph.
Student uses proper citation format as specified in the exam instructions.
Spelling and grammatical errors are minimal to non-existent. Sentences are clearly written, and are
neither overly long, nor incomplete.
10-12 points- Student understands the concepts in the question, but makes vague or unclear statements.
Student may omit some material from the reading or lecture that bears on the question. Student may rely
on quotes rather than their own words to summarize or explain a concept in the question. Student only
addresses some of the aspects of the question.
Paragraph structure may not follow a logical progression. Paragraphs may not be composed of a single
idea or concept relevant to the question. Essay may not include an introductory or concluding paragraph.
Student may not consistently use proper citation format, or fails to provide a citation for information from
the reading or lecture material.
Some spelling and grammatical errors are present. Some sentences are difficult to follow, are incomplete
or are overly long.
Long essay con’t
8-11 points- Student may be vague or misunderstand the concepts in the question. Student relies heavily
on quotes from the material rather than their own words to summarize or explain concepts in the question.
Student only addresses some aspects of the question.
Paragraph structure is not used. Essay organization is not logical, or is difficult to follow. Essay may not
include an introductory or concluding paragraph. Student does not consistently use proper citation format,
or fails to provide a citation for information from the reading or lecture material.
Abundant spelling and grammatical errors are present. Sentences are difficult to follow.
7 points (or below)- Like the 8-11 point range, only more so…