Expectations
Papers are graded based on a number of criteria, which you can find described below.
Content
| Grading Level |
Description |
| 1 - 9 points* |
The assignment was turned in, but contained significant problems relating to content. |
| 10 points |
The writer’s decisions about focus, organization, style/tone, and/or content interfere with communication. The purpose of the writing is not achieved. Requirements of the assignment have not been fulfilled. |
| 11 points |
The writer’s decisions about focus, organization, style/tone, and/or content sometimes interfere with clear, effective communication. The purpose of the writing is not fully achieved. All requirements of the assignment may not be fulfilled. |
| 12 - 13 points* |
The writer has made good decisions about focus, organization, style/tone, and content to communicate clearly and effectively. The purpose and focus of the writing are clear to the reader and the organization and content achieve the purpose well. Writing follows all requirements for the assignment. |
| 14 - 15 points* |
In addition to meeting the requirements for 12 - 13 points, the writer’s decisions about focus, organization, style/tone, and content made reading a pleasurable experience. Writing could be used as a model of how to fulfill the assignment. |
*The range within each grading level reflects the extent to which the paper meets the description for that grading level.
Mechanics
| Grading Level |
Description |
| 1 - 9 points* |
The assignment was turned in, but contained significant problems relating to mechanics. |
| 10 points |
Writing contains numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and/or sentence structure which interfere with comprehension. Style and/or format are inappropriate for the assignment. Fails to demonstrate thoroughness and competence in documentation. |
| 11 points |
Frequent errors in spelling, grammar (such as subject/verb agreements and tense), sentence structure and/or other writing conventions distract the reader. Writing does not consistently follow appropriate style and/or format. Source documentation is incomplete. It may be unclear which references are direct quotes and which are paraphrased. |
| 12 - 13 points* |
While there may be minor errors, the paper follows normal conventions of spelling and grammar throughout and has been carefully proofread. Appropriate conventions for style and format are used consistently throughout the writing sample. Demonstrates thoroughness and competence in documenting sources; the reader would have little difficulty referring back to cited sources. |
| 14 - 15 points* |
In addition to meeting the requirements for 12 - 13 points, the writing is essentially error-free in terms of mechanics. Models the style and format appropriate to the assignment. |
*The range within each grading level reflects the extent to which the paper meets the description for that grading level.
Clarity
| Grading Level |
Description |
| 1 - 9 points* |
The assignment was turned in, but contained significant problems relating to clarity and coherence. |
| 10 points |
Sentence structure, word choice, lack of transitions and/or sequencing of ideas make reading and understanding difficult. |
| 11 points |
Sentence structure and/or word choice sometimes interfere with clarity. Needs to improve sequencing of ideas within paragraphs and transitions between paragraphs to make the writing easy to follow. |
| 12 - 13 points* |
Sentences are structured and word are chosen to communicate ideas clearly. Sequencing of ideas within paragraphs and transitions between paragraphs make the writer’s points easy to follow. |
| 14 - 15 points* |
In addition to meeting the requirements for 12 - 13 points, writing flows smoothly from one idea to another. The writer has taken pains to assist the reader in following the logic of the ideas expressed. |
*The range within each grading level reflects the extent to which the paper meets the description for that grading level.
The grading criteria presented above have been adapted from pre-established rubrics presented in the University's General Education Scoring Guide for Writing.
Copyright ©
July, 2008
California State University Fresno. All rights reserved.
Revised:
07/08/08
