Exceeds

Expectations Meets Expectations Needs Improvement Beginning Not Evident

Thesis The thesis clearly The thesis clearly This thesis may be The paper may not The paper does
Statement demonstrates a thorough demonstrates an too general or may have a clear thesis. not address the
understanding of the understanding of the rely too heavily on assignment, is
work(s) discussed. work(s) discussed. summary and not significantly
enough on analysis. under page-
length
requirements,
or is
plagiarized.
Critical Original and thoughtful Ideas stem from a Ideas are present but Ideas are either not
Thinking ideas consistently based critical analysis of the might not derive clearly present or do
on a critical analysis of the readings and topic, from a careful and not derive in an
readings and the topic. but may need more critical analysis of the apparent manner
development. readings, from the readings.
Paragraph Well-developed Paragraphs are Paragraphs support This paper may
Development paragraphs are focused, focused, support the the thesis, though simply be a summary
& Textual support the thesis, and thesis, and these paragraphs of the reading with
Evidence explore/explain ideas with explore/explain ideas may not provide little analysis.
exemplary details, with sufficient enough development
including quotes and details, including and detail, may lack
specific textual references. quotes and specific focus, or may
textual references. wander into simple
observations about
the reading that do
not support an
overall critical
examination.
Grammar Few, if any, errors in May contain some A “C” paper may A “D” paper may
grammar, punctuation, minor errors in have errors in contain errors in
spelling, or usage. grammar, grammar, grammar,
punctuation, spelling, punctuation, punctuation, spelling,
or usage, but these spelling, and/or and/or usage that
errors will not usage that interfere interfere significantly
interfere with clarity. somewhat with with clarity.
 clarity. A “C” paper
may have all of the
aspects of an “A”
paper, but the
writing may contain
too many errors.
Assignment Adherence to all General adherence The paper adheres to This paper does not
Guidelines assignment guidelines, to all assignment basic assignment clearly adhere to
including page length and guidelines, including guidelines, including assignment
MLA format. page length and MLA page-length guidelines.
format, though a “B” requirements, but it
paper may contain may contain more
minor formatting serious formatting
errors. errors.