Academic Writing

Student:

Semester:

Instructor:

Grade:

Graded Item

Max.

Pts.

"A" Paper

"B" Paper

"C" Paper

"D" Paper

"F" Paper

Mechanics

5

Few/No mechanical errors

Some minor errors

Many mechanical errors, some major

Many major mechanical errors

Major mechanical errors pervasive throughout.

Grammar

5

Few/No grammar errors

Some minor errors

Many grammatical errors, some major

Many major grammatical errors

Major grammatical errors pervasive throughout.

Organization

5

Unity of whole, well-developed paragraphs with topic sentences, good transitions, well-written introduction, conclusion, & abstract, good use of headings.

Some paragraphs may lack the development and transitions present in an "A" paper. Introduction, conclusion, & abstract are present.

Many weak paragraphs with some unrelated to paper. Introduction, conclusion, & abstract may not be present. Ineffective use of headings to divide paper.

Paper is very disorganized with few or no transitions, paragraphs lack adequate development, no headings, reader has difficulty understanding paper due to lack of organization.

Even greater weaknesses than a "D" essay. Severe disorganization, no introduction, conclusion, or abstract, no use of headings.

Readability

10

Writer communicates effectively in writing to an identified audience using standard English structures. The reader has no difficulty understanding the content. Paper appears professional in its presentation.

Writer communicates effectively in writing to an identified audience using standard English structures. Reader understands content, though a few awkward structures may be present. Paper appears professional in its presentation.

Writer may have trouble identifying his audience and some slang or non-standard structures may be present. The reader may have difficulty understanding some passages because the writer has no clear purpose and does not understand what questions s/he is trying to answer with this paper. Presentation skills are developing.

The reader has difficulty understanding what the content because the writer has not done adequate research and is unclear about the readings. Many slang terms and non-standard structures present. Paper lacks professional presentation.

Greater weaknesses than a "D" essay. Reader has great difficulty understanding content, even after multiple readings. Many slang terms and non-standard structures are present. Paper lacks professional presentation.

Content of Argument

20

Argument is complete and conclusions logically flow from readings; critical thinking skills are well-developed. Writer shows an excellent ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate research materials.

Argument is clear and well-grounded in the research because critical thinking skills are adequate. Writer demonstrates a good ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate research materials.

Weak, fuzzy or trivial points with weak substantiation because critical thinking skills are still developing. Serious misinterpretation of readings. examples given for their own sakes or to demonstrate only that the writer has read rather than to prove a particular point. The writer has great difficulty analyzing, synthesizing, or evaluating research materials.

Serious misinterpretation of readings; stretches of logic; narrative account of the readings with no apparent purpose. Writer hasn’t analyzed, synthesized, or evaluated the research materials. Paper may be shorter than required length.

The argument is incomplete and does not flow logically from the readings. Writer has probably not read or conducted sufficient research, and it shows in the paper.

Substantiation

5

Writer makes effective use of a variety sources, cites them properly, uses APA formatting both (in-text and on references page). Cites at least 10 sources; all are relevant and reliable; 5 are from academic/scholarly sources.

Writer makes good use of a variety sources and cites them using APA formatting both in-text and on the bibliography page. There are at least 10 sources. All sources are relevant and reliable; 5 are from scholarly/academic sources. Some minor errors of form in citation.

Sources may lack variety and there may be problems with some citations. May not meet minimum requirements for sources and some may not be relevant or reliable. May not have 5 scholarly/academic sources.

Serious problems with sources and citations. Sources are lacking in both quality and quantity.

Paper is plagiarized in whole or part.