paper

Name: __________________________

Paper Evaluative Criteria

Criteria Excellent Good Minimally

Satisfactory Unacceptable

BASIC Mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.)

Error-free Very few errors Significant number of mostly minor errors

So many errors that the paper is difficult to follow

General organization of paper

Ideas systematically presented and developed in a clear, easy-to-follow progression

Clear introduction, body, and conclusion; logical progression of ideas

Generally organized in a logical progression

Little overall organization

Clarity and focus of topic

Entire paper developed around clear focus

Topic generally clear throughout paper

Topic stated but not always central to paper

Topic unclear or fails to address topic in relevant way

MID-LEVEL Research and sources, including both primary and secondary works ♯

Strong research with accurate sources carefully cited and consistently formatted; includes primary sources

Relatively strong with accurate sources carefully cited; minor inconsistencies in formatting

Relatively weak with unreliable sources or sources cited haphazardly; formatting may be inconsistent

Weak research with unacceptable sources or sources not cited, whether ideas or direct quotations

Analysis and interpretation

Accurate and convincing; expresses clear and deep understanding

Accurate and convincing

Some inaccuracies and deficiencies

Frequent, perhaps systemic inaccuracies and misinterpretations

Evidence and opinions

Consistent and strategic evidence in support of views

Generally consistent and strategic evidence in support of views

Some evidence and support for views

Little evidence and support; may include unquestioned assumptions or unsupported opinions

ADVANCED Reflection and unexpected insights

Strong philosophical reflection and insights

Some reflection and insights

Little philosophical reflection and insight

Nearly completely absent

Success relative to other papers

Outstanding and model paper

Successful paper; beyond class norm

Typical and average paper

Least successful; most deficient and/or problematic

Legend to Symbols and Abbreviations: √=interesting/relevant; X=inaccurate/problematic; ¶=new paragraph; ?=meaning unclear/questionable claim; awk=awkward; case=upper/lower case (capitalization); frag=sentence fragment; itals=italics; p#s=page numbers; ref=reference; sp=spelling; wc=word choice. ♯Note: For Research and sources (see above), you could simply refer to the assigned readings. You are not required to cite from other resources. For citation style, both Chicago and MLA are fine. If you are not sure about the format, please see here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/