Essays will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. CONTENT
-are facts accurate?
-have you grasped the theories (if appropriate to your topic)?
-Are ideas sound, reasonable, and logically consistent?
-Do you know how to select what is relevant and omit insignificant
details?
2. ANALYSIS
-Are you applying analytical reasoning rather than merely
description?
-Does the analysis make sense?
3. ORGANIZATION
-is the introduction clear and focused, giving an overview of the
argument of the whole paper? Does it pose a question or raise a
hypothesis to be argued in the body of the paper?
-Are paragraphs kept relatively simple and focused on a clear
theme?
-Do paragraphs flow logically so that it is possible to follow the
argument with little difficulty?
-Is the conclusion strong? Does it summarize what you've argued
throughout the paper?
4. STYLE
-are sentences grammatically correct? Spelling checked? Punctuation
properly used?
-Do you use words according to their dictionary definition? Do you
avoid unnecessary jargon or complexity?
COMMON PROBLEMS AND MISTAKES
1. Lack of a clear introduction:
the ideal introduction should state your thesis and give an idea of
the paper as a whole. You are free to be creative with the
introduction as long as the thesis and overview is there (within the
first two paragraphs or so)
2. Poor organization
The paper should have a "flow" to it and give the sense that your
argument is being made systematically (see section on paragraphs
below). Write with the reader in mind. It should not have the feeling
of being "patched together".
3. Paragraphs
Each paragraph should be devoted to one major theme, and this
should be made clear in the first sentence. Paragraphs in turn should
be organized in a sequence that makes sense and allows the argument
to build systematically towards the conclusion. Cluttered and
disorganized paragraphs should be avoided.
4. Vocabulary
Be careful to use words according to their dictionary definition
- use the dictionary when in doubt. Also, keep in mind that you can
still sound intelligent using simpler terms. Be careful with
unnecessary "jargon". (Castells is NOT a good example for clear
writing, unfortunately. Bracken and Stern offer better examples of
clear writing.)
5. Quotations
Many people over-quote or use quotations where they are not
necessary. It is generally better to put as much as possible in your
own words. In general, you should quote only when 1) the author is
famous or says something directly relevant to your point; 2) the
phrasing is unique or interesting and helps you to make your point
better. Quotations should also be introduced and not simply "thrown
into" the sentence or paragraph.
6.Use of Sources (when relevant to
particular assignment)
Part of your grade will depend on how well you are able to
indicate the ways that you used the sources from assigned readings.
In these cases outside sources might be allowed but not
required.
7. Spelling and Grammar
There is no excuse for errors of this type. Everyone should be
able to write standard English. Awkward and ungrammatical sentences
and phrases will detract from your final grade.
8. Conclusion
Your conclusion should sum up the paper and restate your
analytical conclusion in a new and interesting way. There has to be a
conclusion to the paper. Abrupt endings will also hurt your final
grade.
EVALUATION OF WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
When evaluating your papers I will look for the following:
"A" papers must be excellent in all of the above.
GOOD LUCK!
Grading Scale: 93-100 A 90-92 A- 87-89 B+ 83-86 B 80-82 B- 77-79 C+ 73-76 C 70-72 C- 67-69 D+ 63-66 D 60-62 D- 59 and below F