(Remember -- Developing a clear thesis and providing strong evidence to support it is far more important than “getting the right answer.”)

Exceeds standard (A, A-, B+, B or 85-100%)

·Minimum requirements of the assignment are met and exceeded.

·All criteria of the standard are met and exceeded. 

·The essay or paper has a well-written introduction and conclusion and reflects understanding of the topic.

·Response shows analytical skill in addition to factual knowledge.

·Sources and or quotes from class readings are cited correctly, and with insight. 

·Sources in addition to class readings or requirements are cited.

·Few or no technical (grammar, punctuation, spelling) errors and good writing style. 

Meets standard (B-, C+, C or 75-84%)

·Minimum requirements of the assignment are met.

·The topic is presented thoroughly with the required quotes or sources and includes details and examples. 

·The paper or essay is easy to follow, makes sense, and is easy to understand.Ideas flow smoothly from one to the other. 

·Response shows a good command of facts.

·The writer is sincere and gets his/her ideas across to the reader. 

·Fewer than five technical errors and good writing style. 

Emerging to standard (C-, D+ or 67-74%)

·Paper lacking in standard requirements.

·The paper is unclear and seems to have no purpose.

·Quotes are given, but incorrectly cited or inappropriately used.

·Five to seven significant technical errors.Writing style needs improvement.The paper is flat and lifeless.

·Factual errors.

Below standard(D, D-, F or 0-66%)

·The content is poorly explored and superficial.

·No citations or reference to class readings or discussion topics.

·The writer does not deal seriously with the topic and/or does not deal with the topic in an appropriate scholarly fashion.

·Sentence flaws and errors in language conventions make this paper difficult to read and understand.Poor writing style.

·Repeated factual errors.