Writing 3 -- Grades are Coming!

Greetings!

As I'm getting ready to send out grades for the Writing 3 - Research Writing class, I thought that I would first give a couple of comments about grades.  For those who have had classes from me in the past,  you may remember that 

1) I view writing as a process; every paper/assignment is a learning process intended to help you improve on the next assignment;

2) While I don't see grades as a pure or holistic evaluation of a student's academic progress, they do give a snapshot of someone's quantity and quality of work;

3) I intentionally make comments about what I felt a student did well along with advice/hints for improving the next paper he/she will write;

4) I am an easy grader.  

With that said, I will be sending out grades for the class soon.  The grade for this class will be in two parts:  the final score/grade for the research paper and a grade that includes class participation and submission of the intermediate assignments.  Late or missing drafts, etc. will be reflected in the "Class grade."

I have enjoyed this group of students.  Each one of them has worked hard; writing a research paper is a challenging task.  Keep writing and build on what you're learned as researchers and writers.  I guarantee that you will not only improve, but it gets easier!

Blessings,

Tammy Prichard

Research Paper Rubric

Criterion	Points	Insufficient	Limited	Adequate	Proficient	Exceptional
Format	25	Many elements missing; incorrect margins, font, spacing, citations (0 – 4 pt)	Some elements missing; flaws that detract from flow of paper (5 – 9  pt)	All elements present with occasional mistakes (10 – 14  pt)	All elements well-presented and flows smoothly (15 – 19 pt)	All elements thoroughly presented, extremely well-organized, no flaws (20 – 25 pt)
Student Scores
Focus:  Thesis, Introduction, Conclusion	25	No thesis statement and specific topic unclear; lacks a clear introduction; no conclusion (0 – 4 pt)	Specific topic is clear, but thesis statement with opinion/stand is missing; weak introduction that states topic, but missing clear thesis; no direction for paper.  Conclusion does not summarize the main points nor restates the thesis statement.  (5 – 9 pt)	Thesis and topic clearly stated.  Introduction states the topic and specific thesis, but does not give focus or direction to the paper.  Conclusion restates the thesis, but does not satisfactory sum up the main points of the paper.  (10 – 14 pt)	Relevant and accurate thesis statement that suits the topic.  Introduction states topic and thesis and gives clear direction to the paper.  Conclusion reiterates main points and restates the thesis statement. (15 – 19 pt)	Thoughtful and compelling thesis statement that shows original ideas related to the subject.  Strong introduction that grabs attention and directs the course of the paper.  Strong conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the thesis statement.  (20 – 25 pt)
Student Scores
Organization	50	Elements missing; minimal organization and lack of flow; understanding seriously impaired (0 – 9 pt)	Some major points covered; regular breaks in organization impede flow and meaning (10 – 19 pt)	Certain major points covered; occasional disorganization within paragraphs, but paragraph organization appropriate (20 – 29  pt)	Most major points covered; well organized and flows smoothly; no distractions in organization (30 – 39 pt)	All sentences and paragraphs flow well; smooth and logical flow; crisp and clear (40 – 50 pt)
Student Scores
Content	50	Little to no understanding of topic, examination of data, evaluation of material, or presentation of relevant information; insufficient research (0 – 9 pt)	Some understanding of relevant information, examination of data, and evaluation of material; minimal research (10 – 19 pt)	Satisfactory understanding and examination of data; relevant material incorporated; moderate research (20 – 29  pt)	Capable examination shows strong degree of evaluation; strong understanding of various points of argument; skillful research (30 – 39 pt)	Demonstrates thorough examination of data; shows ability to evaluate; reveals mature insight; superb research (40 – 50 pt)
Student Scores
Mechanics	50	Frequent errors, seriously impairs flow & meaning of paper  (0 – 9 pt)	Regular errors; flow/meaning of paper breaks down  (10 – 19 pt)	Errors noticeable, and occasionally detract from flow or meaning of paper (20 – 29  pt)	Some errors, which are minor in nature and don’t detract from overall meaning of paper (30 – 39 pt)	Essentially faultless; errors may result from risk-taking and do not detract from meaning of paper (40 – 50 pt)
Student Scores
Presentation	25	Unprepared; unorganized; no eye contact; too casual (0 – 4 pt)	Shared minimal information; occasional eye contact (5 – 9  pt)	Good organization; shared relevant and interested information (10 – 14 pt)	Well-organized; material interests and engages audience; very good eye contact.  (15 – 19 pt)	Flawless presentation; covers key information; confident, engaging (20 – 25 pt)
Student Scores

Total Score – 225 possible points

Total Score: