Teaching: Succeeding, Not Just Surviving

Grading an Analytical Paper

CRITERIA A+, A, A- B+, B, B- C+, C, C- D, F Use of correct grammar, A few errors to fix, but Enough errors to distract a Numerous errors which Composition punctuation and spelling. general use of correct reader. make the work difficult to conventions. read.

Sentences are clear, Well-constructed Sentences are often Many run-on sentences & complete and of varying sentences; essay “marches” awkward, run-ons, or paragraphs; sentence lengths. along but it doesn’t fragments. fragmentation. “dance.” Words used are striking Same words used over and but natural, varied and Some fine and some Words used are often over again; confusing. vivid. routine word choices. common. Writing could use some “color.” An argument is stated An argument is made, but Claim/argument is buried, Claim/argument is not and explanation provided no explanation made as to confused, and/or unclear. stated. Critical Thinking/ as to why it is why it is controversial. controversial. Persuasion of Argument

Clear and accurate Reasons are provided in A few weak reasons are Reasons are not provided in reasons are provided in support of the argument, provided that don’t support of the support of the but some are overlooked. support the claim/argument. claim/argument. claim/argument, or are irrelevant or confusing. Discussion of reasons Reasons against the against the claim/ argument are Mention that there are Reasons against the argument; explanation of discussed, but some are reasons against the claim/argument are not why argument remains neglected; no explanation claim/argument, but acknowledged or discussed. valid. as to why the argument reasons not discussed. still stands.

Writing has a compelling Writing has a beginning, Organization is rough but Writing needs direction and opening, an informative middle and end. workable. Thought organization. middle, and a satisfying sometimes gets off topic. conclusion.

Personal engagement Tone of writing gets the Writing is too formal; no Writing is either too formal with the material shows message across, but could hint of personal or informal; clear indication that the writer cares have been written by engagement. of disinterest in the work. about argument. anyone. Arguments and examples Arguments and examples Arguments and examples Limited demonstrated Use of Course Resources demonstrate thorough demonstrate basic demonstrate some familiarity with course familiarity with course familiarity with course familiarity with course materials. materials. materials. materials.

Recognition of, and Identification of the key Recognition of arguments Limited recognition of distinction between, arguments in the course in the course material, but arguments; difficulty in domain and supporting material. difficulty in distinguishing discerning differences arguments in the course arguments. between arguments and materials. evidence, commentary, etc.

Grade Breakdown Composition /5 Critical Thinking /15 Use of Resources /10 Total /30 Total /15% (of final grade)

**Used with permission from Johannes Wheeldon, former GMU Faculty Member, Administration of Justice.