Quick Essay

Basic Grading Criteria

1

2

3

4

Indicate how the grade was determined

100 pts. or %

Unsatisfactory

(D+ or below)

Satisfactory

(C- to C+)

Good

(B- to B+)

Excellent

(A- to A)

Format and Submission:

Inconsistent formatting or no discernible pattern.

(0 – 3.4 points)

Paper formatted with 3 or more errors.

(3.5 – 3.9 points)

Paper formatted correctly with fewer than 3 errors.

(4 – 4.4 points)

Paper is formatted in perfect MLA, APA, or Chicago style (margins, spacing, header, etc.).

(4.5 – 5 points)

5

Introduction and Thesis Statement:

Thesis is irrelevant, unclear, too narrow, or too broad. No serious attempt.

(0 – 6.9 points)

Introduction is mildly engaging, somewhat relates to the

thesis, too short, and is missing elements that connect it organically to the thesis.

(7.0 – 7.9 points)

Introduction is engaging and relates to the thesis but is too short or missing elements that connect it organically to the thesis.

(8.0 – 8.9 points)

Introduction is engaging, properly introduces the thesis statement, and is well developed.

(9 – 10 points)

10

Thesis

Thesis is irrelevant, unclear, too narrow, or too broad. No serious attempt.

(0 – 6.9 points)

Thesis is attempted but has issues with clarity.

(7.0 – 7.9 points)

Thesis articulates the position, scope, and specific elements that will be covered in the essay with some challenges in wording/focus.

(8.0 – 8.9 points)

Thesis clearly articulates the position, scope, and specific elements that will be covered in the essay.

(9 – 10 points)

10

Topic Sentences

Weak transitions and indirect connections characterize poorly-constructed topic sentences.

(0 – 6.9 points)

Body paragraphs’ topic sentences are generic or indirectly connected with thesis.

Characterized by weak transitions.

(7.0 – 7.9 points)

All body paragraphs’ topic sentences coordinate loosely with the thesis, or most of the topic sentences relate directly.

(8.0 – 8.9 points)

All body paragraphs’ topic sentences coordinate closely with the thesis.

(9 – 10 points)

10

Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs are present but are too short and do not support their respective topic sentences.

(0 – 10.4 points)

Only one body paragraph is developed. Some sentences support their respective topic sentences.

(10.5 – 11.9 points)

Body paragraphs are fairly developed. Most sentences support their respective topic sentences.

(12 – 14.3 points)

All body paragraphs are well developed. All sentences support their respective topic sentences.

(14.5 – 15 points)

15

Grammar

There are 6 or more grammatical errors present that disrupt understanding of text.

(0 – 6.9 points)

There are 3-5 grammatical errors/patterns present; mild disruption of readability of text.

(7.0 – 7.9 points)

There are 1-2 grammatical errors/patterns present, but they do not hinder readability of text.

(8.0 – 8.9 points)

There are no grammatical errors.

(9 – 10 points)

10

Conclusion

Conclusion is not effective, does not paraphrase the thesis, and is too short.

(0 – 6.9 points)

Conclusion is mildly effective, somewhat paraphrases the thesis, and is too short.

(7.0 – 7.9 points)

Conclusion is effective and paraphrases the thesis but is too short.

(8.0 – 8.9 points)

Conclusion is effective, paraphrases the thesis, and is well developed.

(9 – 10 points)

10

In-text Citations

Citations and bibliography credit sources correctly using Chicago/ Turabian or APA or MLA citation rules

Signal phrases and parenthetical references are lacking and don’t align with citation style.

(0 – 6.9 points)

Signal phrases or parenthetical references are attempted but inconsistent; may not be formatted to align with citation style.

(7.0 – 7.9 points)

Signal phrases and parenthetical references are generally, but not perfectly, used according to appropriate citation style.

(8.0 – 8.9 points)

Signal phrases and parenthetical references (when required) indicate clearly when the ideas, constructions, methods, or “exact” words of others are used. All are formatted according to citation style.

(9 – 10 points)

10

References or Works Cited

Students correctly and appropriately used requisite number of resources from APUS library and professional organizations.

(0 – 6.9 points)

4 or more errors are present, or student did not use requisite number of resources from APUS library and professional organizations.

(7.0 – 7.9 points)

1-3 Errors are present, but student used requisite number of resources from APUS library and professional organizations.

(8.0 – 8.9 points)

Students correctly and appropriately used requisite number of resources from APUS library and professional organizations.

(9 – 10 points)

10