PHILOSOPHY homework help

PHIL 104

Introduction to Philosophy (Writing Intensive)

An Explanation of How Paper Grades Are Determined

Here are the general criteria that we use for evaluating your papers:

Clarity and relevance. Is it clear, at every point in the paper, exactly what the author is

claiming, and how the points s/he makes and the examples s/he uses are supposed to

support that claim?

Conciseness. Is everything in the paper strictly relevant to the claim the author is trying

to make? Does the author make his/her points efficiently?

Logical precision. Is the structure of the author's argument completely clear? For

example, does the author appropriately distinguish: premises vs. conclusions; necessary

vs. sufficient conditions; objections vs. replies; positive arguments vs. defensive moves?

Insight and originality. Is the author merely repeating points made in the lectures and

readings, or has s/he thought deeply about the issue for him/herself?

Adherence to requirements. Is the paper of appropriate length? Has the student

consulted appropriate sources and properly cited references in the body of the paper?

Numerical grades are assigned using the scoring table below. Please understand that

grading is an inexact science. Actual papers often do not exhibit all the strengths and

weaknesses that we have associated with a particular grade below; thus, particular

judgments are required for each individual work. These guidelines should give you,

however, some idea of how we interpret the different grades and what we expect from

your papers. We hope that this helps to demystify the grading process.

100

= A+

Work of exceptional quality. The paper demonstrates deep and precise

understanding and originality of thought, with a consistent precision of ideas and

elegance of expression. The paper is logically flawless and extremely well-

structured.

90-99

= A

Work of excellent quality. The paper contains a clearly defined thesis, and a

clear, reasonable and logical argument supporting it. The exploration of the issue

is articulate and thorough, and demonstrates clear understanding. The

organization is very good. The paper shows insight and independence of thought.

85-89

= B+

"Almost there." Exhibits all of the qualities required for an A paper, but

something is missing. E.g., some small errors in argumentation, organization,

grammar, or a lack of independent thought in an otherwise flawless paper.

80-84

= B

Lacks one or two major criteria. For example: a well written and organized

paper, with an argument that lacks sophistication; a paper with very good and

creative ideas, but lacking in organization, presentation or development of those

ideas; a paper that consistently makes minor logical mistakes.

75-79

= C+

A C+ paper is like a B paper, but with more flaws.

70-74

= C

A paper with some significant errors, typically in argumentation, or containing

important factual errors. Alternately, papers with several issues such as:

seriously flawed organization; paper is unclear; few or weak transitions;

unclear/inappropriate examples.

65-69

= D

To earn a D, the paper must contain more errors than a C paper. For example, if

there is little evidence that you understand the topic and/or your writing is so

muddled that it is difficult to trace any line of argumentation through the paper,

you will probably score in this range.

0-64

= F

You will score in the 0-64 range if your paper is barely (or not) even on the topic

(or if you didn't submit a paper at all).