CRITERIA FOR GRADING
THE FICTION AND POETRY PAPERS
A. THESIS
- You did not provide a thesis.
- You assumed a thesis but did not state it. Or you stated a thesis, but the thesis was vague or too broad.
- You provided an adequate thesis.
- You provided an outstanding thesis that cogently sets up
your analysis.
- You had neither topic sentences nor logical development.
- a. You had topic sentences, but they were not logical.
- b. You had logical development, but you did not provide topic sentences.
- Weak topic sentences. Weak development.
- a. You had topic sentences, but they did not support your thesis.
- b. You had topic sentences, but they were too broad.
- You had both topic sentences and logical development. These provide a competent but uninspired framework for your description.
- You had excellent topic sentences and logical development.
- Unsatisfactory use of primary sources.
- a. You provide no supporting details and quotations from the work you were analyzing.
- b. You provide details and quotations in an apparently random order.
- Weak use of primary sources.
- a. You provide some details and quotations, but they are too general and vague.
- b. You provide some details and quotations, but too many do not belong where you place them.
- You provide generally provide details and quotations in the proper places and provide a general picture of what you are analyzing.
- Your use of details and quotations clearly, effectively,
and aptly supports your argument.
- Your essay lacks coherence and cohesion. Transitions are ineffective. The paragraphs read like a list, with no connection between the sentences.
- The paragraphs have a general focus, but some sentences are unrelated. Coherence, cohesion, and transitions need work.
- Paragraphs are generally well developed with fewer than three problems of focus, unity, or coherence. Transitions may be a bit forced.
- Paragraphs are focused, unified, and coherent. Transitions
are logical and effective.
- You exceeded the maximum allowable number of serious grammatical mistakes (10).
- You had 7-9 grammatical errors.
- You had 4-6 errors.
- You had 1-3 errors.