Grading Rubric An “A” paper meets all of these requirements A “B” paper meets 90% of these requirements A “C” paper meets 75% of these requirements A “D” paper meets 60% of these requirements A “F” paper meets 50% of these requirements Organization Essay contains coherent introduction and thesis statement Paragraphs contain topic sentences, which are supported by the body of the paragraph Essay contains a clear conclusion, which restates the thesis and summarizes your argument Your argument is clear, coherent, and unfolds logically You use solid examples and secondary sources to support your argument Style Transitions are indicated clearly by use of transition words or other explicit statements that indicate transition from one topic to another Tone of argument is mature, even, and objective Sources are used appropriately and discriminately and are integrated into your essay properly Argument reflects an informed viewpoint and working knowledge of your subject Technical Essay is free of major grammar and spelling errors (major errors are those on the “Grammar Checklist”)*
Essay is free of the “major detractors of the mature academic voice”* Essay is style • • • • • •
formatted according to MLA style All essays will be formatted in MLA 1” margins Double-spaced 12” font, Times New Roman Full MLA-style heading w/ page numbers No cover page All other MLA style formatting guidelines as set forth by the most recent edition of the Modern Language Association handbook
Essay is turned in on time in the appropriate format (e.g., MyLitLab, email, print copy) Essay is clean, stapled, and contains no written proofread marks Essay topic meets the guidelines or responds to specific topic requirements/ questions Sources are properly cited within the body of the essay and in “Works Cited” and “Works Consulted” pages
Response Papers 100/100 (ď ?+): Your response is clear, organized, and articulate. It is free of major grammar errors and spelling errors. It meets the length requirement and formatting guidelines, and it was turned in on time in the proper format. Most important, your response engages the material thoughtfully and thoroughly; it shows critical thinking and an earnest attempt at critical analysis. It makes use of literary terms that we have discussed in class when appropriate, responds directly to the posed question, and maintains an even, mature, and intellectual tone. 75/100 (ď ?): Your response is adequate. It addresses the question posed and engages the text on a surface level. It is free of major grammar errors and spelling errors. It meets the length requirement and formatting guidelines, and it was turned in on time in the proper format. It makes use of literary terms that we have discussed in class when appropriate, responds directly to the posed question, and maintains an even, mature, and intellectual tone. 50/100 (ď ?-): Your response is barely adequate. It does not address the question posed or the text completely. It may have major grammar and/ or spelling errors. It may be unclear or disorganized. It may not meet the length requirements or may be formatted improperly. The tone of the response may be immature, uninformed, and/or aloof. You use colloquial terms or slang. Something(s) about this response indicates that you have not read the text or that you completed the assignment at the last minute. 0/100: You failed to complete this assignment or you failed to turn it in on time. Or, in the rarest of cases, your response contains grammar, spelling, or formatting errors so egregious that it is incomprehensible or illegible.