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CRITERIA FOR GRADING
THE FICTION AND POETRY PAPERS


A. THESIS
  1. You did not provide a thesis.
  2. You assumed a thesis but did not state it. Or you stated a thesis, but the thesis was vague or too broad.
  3. You provided an adequate thesis.
  4. You provided an outstanding thesis that cogently sets up your analysis.

B. DEVELOPMENT
  1. You had neither topic sentences nor logical development.
  2. Weak topic sentences. Weak development.
  3. You had both topic sentences and logical development. These provide a competent but uninspired framework for your description.
  4. You had excellent topic sentences and logical development.

C. DETAIL (EVIDENCE FROM PRIMARY SOURCES)
  1.   Unsatisfactory use of primary sources.
  2.   Weak use of primary sources.
  3. You provide generally provide details and quotations in the proper places and provide a general picture of what you are analyzing.
  4. Your use of details and quotations clearly, effectively, and aptly supports your argument.

D. WRITING THE ESSAY
  1. Your essay lacks coherence and cohesion. Transitions are ineffective. The paragraphs read like a list, with no connection between the sentences.
  2. The paragraphs have a general focus, but some sentences are unrelated. Coherence, cohesion, and transitions need work.
  3. Paragraphs are generally well developed with fewer than three problems of focus, unity, or coherence. Transitions may be a bit forced.
  4. Paragraphs are focused, unified, and coherent. Transitions are logical and effective.

E. GRAMMAR
  1. You exceeded the maximum allowable number of serious grammatical mistakes (10).
  2. You had 7-9 grammatical errors.
  3. You had 4-6 errors.
  4. You had 1-3 errors.
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