(criteria listed from most to least important)
Legend:
E: Excellent; VG: Very Good; G: Good; W: Weak; I: Incomplete; NA: Not Applicable
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Analysis:
- Comprehension of material/concept discussed.
- Application of relevant analysis.
- Logic, clarity, and consistency of analysis.
- Linking together of theory and application.
- Proper and complete referencing with citations clearly supporting argument.
Skill:
- Accuracy and skill at applying concepts/techniques; thoroughness of application
- Comprehension of assumptions necessary to render concept/technique/method applicable to problem.
Development of Issue(s):
- Setting out of main points and central issues.
- Provision of background context and/or history.
- Integration of course material into development and presentation of argument.
- Application of “hourglass” shape of development (general-specific-general).
Issue(s) Statement:
- Expression of issue(s).
- Explanation of issue’s importance.
- Identification and explanation of policy implications.
- Thesis statement focus.
Paragraphs and Paragraph Unity:
- Use of topic sentences and links to the issue or to stages of argument.
Introduction:
- Recognition and engagement of the reader as audience.
- Clarity in implied ordering of material to follow.
- Focus of introduction and implied focus of the paper.
Conclusion:
- Sense of completion.
- Review and synthesis of arguments.
Grammar and Usage: Clarity and correctness; patterns of errors
Mechanics: title; spelling; punctuation; notes; pagination; bibliography
Overall Ratings:
- Overall coherence of answer
- Overall demonstration of knowledge
- Overall demonstration of skill and analysis
OVERALL GRADE
Common Problems
Analysis: weak; superficial/lacking depth; descriptive; statements unsupported; thematic or logic of argument unclear; informal; circular; sources not cited/inadequately cited; sources replace argument (stringing together quotes).
Skill: inadequate/inappropriate use of theory to support argument; unclear theoretical perspective; method inconsistent with theoretical perspective; absence of rationale for theoretical perspective or method; no recognition of limitations of theory/method adopted
Development: unclear logical or thematic development; relation to course material unclear; incomplete/distorted/contradictory argument
Issues/Thesis Statement: too narrow/omit related issues; too general/broad
Paragraphs/Paragraph Unity: one sentence paragraphs; too many short paragraphs; topic sentences absent or unclear
Introduction: unclear topic identification; unclear motivation for issues; absence of implied outline of paper
Conclusion: inadequate summary/review/synthesis
Grammar and Usage: errors in spelling/syntax; run-on sentences
Mechanics: incorrect punctuation; incorrect use of end/foot notes; no page numbers; incorrect/incomplete bibliography
