Grading Gudileines For Assigmnents
these align with assignment rubrics
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A --- Excellent --- 100%
- Paper
Overall shows excellent grasp of the breadth and depth of the topic. Uses a wide range of appropriate current (< 5 years) academic resources, beyond course. Demonstrates originality and creativity consistently throughout in an elevated manner with excellent grasp of the subject matter. Exceptional ability to make critical, original and insightful evaluation of relevant materials from course, program and resources
Comprehensive integration of course concepts and literature and integration of relevant concepts
Conveys immediately a sense of person behind the words: an individual voice speaking firmly and clearly from the page.
The writing is informative and thoughtful. Examples or comparisons are carefully chosen. Occasionally there is a vivid image or critical comparison
The writer demonstrates an appropriate sense of critical strategies and theoretical issues raised by the essay, using vocabulary and a conceptual framework consistent with the level of the course.
Organization of material is smooth and logical. The reader does not stumble or hesitate over the sequence of facts or ideas.
Sentences are varied, with rhythm and emphasis appropriate to the meaning. Phrasing is often fluent, even elegant
- Academic Writing and APA Formatting.
Punctuation is appropriate and helpful to the reader.
There are very few mechanical errors [grammar or spelling].
Sources are carefully chosen and consistently cited, and research is documented.
Exceptional level of scholarly writing ability and correct use of APA guidelines (< 5% errors).
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B --- Proficient --- 70-79%
- Paper
Overall demonstrates good understanding of the current context of the topic and generally good choice of solid academic resources beyond the course readings. Demonstrates good creativity and originality throughout most of writing but areas need elevation or more unique insights and application of course concepts. However good ability to make critical and insightful evaluation of relevant materials.
Content is reasonably sound, but may be a little thin. Examples or illustrations may be slightly forced or exaggerated. A key area of research may not be fully addressed
Good ability to organise and present ideas logically and fluently
Word choices and organization is clear though they may lack strength, and the reader does not stumble over sequence.
Punctuation is generally correct, though sentences may be predictable or lacking elevation in places or occasionally awkward and wordy.
- Academic Writing and APA
Any mechanical errors [grammar or spelling] are minor and do not interfere with the flow of the argument of the intellectual focus of the paper.
Sources are correctly cited, but the research element is less engaged than in an “A” paper: it does little to extend the work beyond basic understanding.
Good level of ability in use of APA format and writing form. Occasional minor errors in form and format (<10%).
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C--- Satisfactory --- 60-69%
Paper
Overall adequate background research with some good insights into the current issues re the topic. However, academic sources beyond the assigned readings are somewhat limited and dated (> 5 years) materials. Use on non academic sources to support some main points used but main application is from academic and or course resources.
Lacks engagement and is characterized by insufficiently developed thought.
Information and ideas may be adequate, but are thin or unconvincing.
Organization may occasionally be unclear, causing the reader to stop and re-read previous material to be sure of meaning.
Sentences may have little or no structural variety, and may be awkwardly placed.
The writer may mention or reveal theoretical or critical apparatus, but has trouble applying such external ideas to the particular assignment.
Diction may be characterized by wordiness, clichés, or poor word choices. Unnecessary words and phrases make the writing loose.
Repetitive, superficial, use of quotes throughout – basic level understanding
Satisfactory grasp of the subject matterAdequate review of literature and integration of relevant concepts. One or more key concepts are not addressed
Satisfactory ability to analyse and synthesise concepts
Satisfactory ability in expressing ideas logically and fluently
Inconsistent presentation of arguments
Satisfactory ability to make critical and insightful evaluation of relevant
Academic Writing and APA Formatting
There may be several mechanical errors: grammar (such as fragments, run-on or fused sentences, subject/verb agreement problems, comma splices, reference errors) spelling, and punctuation errors hinder the reader’s ability to follow the argument easily, and demand editorial correction before sense can be made
Satisfactory level of scholarly writing and use of APA guidelines. Some errors (<15%) in form and format throughout
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D and F --- Needs Improvement --- 0 to 59%
Paper
(D Paper) Overall poor background research with limited understanding of the topic. Reliance on older texts and articles, and course readings. Originality is predictable and superficial and may have use of direct quotes. Aspects of assignment instructions not addressed or incomplete.
(F paper) Overall, very poor job at background research. Shows little understanding of the current thinking on the topic. Very few sources used beyond course readings. Limited use of course and academic resources or none used. Originality is questionable. Missed aspects of assignment instructions.
Gives a main impression of haste, carelessness, lack of attention, or simply of inability to craft direct or even simple sentences.
The paper is barely adequate.
Sources are poorly chosen, inadequate, or not fully documented.
The paper may make some sense, but only when the reader struggles to find the sense. Writers of “D” papers have little control of their material.
The paper demonstrates little evident ability to focus on or analyse specific arguments or cultural productions, and there is little if any sense of a theoretical strategy with which to approach the assignment, nor of a critical understanding of issues raised by the particular topic.
Minimal familiarity with the subject matter
Minimal review of appropriate literature
Minimal ability to analyse and synthesise key concepts
Limited ability to problem solve
Poor organisation or lack of focus in the presentation of ideas
Poor ability to make critical and insightful evaluation of relevant materials
Academic Writing and APA Formatting
There are many mechanical and grammatical errors which undermine the writer’s attempt to articulate and structure the assignment adequately. These errors overwhelm readers’ ability to make sense of the writing, and demand to be addressed before any dialogue about the content of the assignment can begin
Minimally acceptable or inconsistent ability in demonstrating scholarly writing and use of APA guidelines. Occasional major errors in APA form and format