BUT NO OUTSIDE SOURCE AT ALL EXCEPT ATTACHED FILES Each essay must be at least 1000 words (3 1/2 pages) Must use 12 inch font, double spaced, regular 1 inch margins. No cover page, instructor's name, name of the class, time of class, etc., is necessary.

The Superior Paper (A/A-)

Thesis: Easily identifiable, plausible, novel, sophisticated, insightful, crystal clear. Connects well with paper title.

Structure: Evident, understandable, appropriate thesis. Excellent transitions from point to point. Solid topic sentences.

Use of evidence: Primary source information used to buttress every point.

Analysis: Author clearly relates evidence to "mini-thesis" (topic sentence); analysis is fresh and exciting, posing new ways to think of the material. Work displays critical thinking and avoids simplistic description or summary of information.

Logic and argumentation: All ideas in the paper flow logically; the argument is identifiable, reasonable, and sound. Mechanics: Sentence structure, grammar, and diction excellent; correct use of punctuation; minimal to no spelling errors; absolutely no run-on sentences or comma splices. Conforms in every way to format requirements. 

The Good Paper (B+/B)

Thesis: Promising, but may be slightly unclear, or lacking in insight or originality. Paper title does not connect as well with thesis or is not as interesting.

Structure: Generally clear and appropriate, though may wander occasionally. May have a few unclear transitions, or a few paragraphs without strong topic sentences.

Use of evidence: Examples used to support most points.

Analysis: Evidence often related to mini-thesis. Some description, but more critical thinking.

Logic and argumentation: Argument of paper is clear, usually flows logically and makes sense.

Mechanics: Sentence structure, grammar, and diction strong despite occasional lapses; punctuation often used correctly. Some (minor) spelling errors; Conforms in every way to format requirements.

The Borderline Paper (B-/C+)

Thesis: May be unclear (contain many vague terms), appear unoriginal, or offer relatively little that is new; provides little around which to structure the paper. Paper title and thesis do not connect well or title is unimaginative. 

Structure: Unclear, often wanders or jumps around. Few or weak transitions, many paragraphs without topic sentences. 

Use of evidence: Examples used to support some points.

Analysis: Quotes appear often without analysis relating them to mini-thesis (or there is a weak mini-thesis to support), or analysis offers nothing beyond the quote. Even balance between critical thinking and description.

Logic and argumentation: Logic may often fail, or argument may often be unclear.

Mechanics: Problems in sentence structure, grammar, and diction (usually not major). Some errors in punctuation and spelling. May have some run-on sentences or comma splices. Conforms in almost every way to format requirements.

The "Needs Help" Paper (C/C-)

Thesis: Difficult to identify at all, may be bland restatement of obvious point.

Structure: Unclear, often because thesis is non-existent. Transitions confusing and unclear. Few topic sentences. 

Use of evidence: Very few or very weak examples.

Analysis: Very little or very weak attempt to relate evidence to argument; may be no identifiable argument, or no evidence to relate it to. More description than critical thinking.

Logic and argumentation: Ideas do not flow, usually because there is no argument to support. Simplistic view of topic.

Mechanics: Big problems in sentence structure, grammar, and diction. Frequent major errors in punctuation and spelling. May have many run-on sentences and comma splices. Does not conform to format requirements.

The "Really Needs Help" Paper (D+/D)

Shows obviously minimal lack of effort or comprehension of the assignment. Very difficult to understand owing to major problems with mechanics, structure, and analysis. Has no identifiable thesis, or utterly incompetent thesis. Does not follow paper guidelines for length and format.

The Failing Paper: Gibberish. Plagiarizes. Scares children and small animals.

SUPER F: Never did paper at all.