Things I consider when critiquing/grading a paper (keep in mind that
not
all of these standards will apply to every assignment!):
Content and Organization:
Introduction:
• Is there a thesis; that is, does the author state
the
purpose, problem, or question that will be handled in the paper?
• How does the author convince you that the paper
will
be worth reading?
• Does the author explain how the problem will be
dealt
with in the rest of the paper?
Body:
• Does the paper demonstrate assimilation of the
appropriate
literature?
• How is evidence handled?
• What is done with contradictory evidence?
• Are multiple sources used, when available?
• Is the evidence relevant to the stated purpose of
the
paper?
• Is the argument supported by the evidence logical
and
internally consistent (does one point follow from another)?
• Is the argument plausible?
• Is the chosen thesis sufficiently focused to be
adequately
covered in the length of the paper? Conversely, is the chosen
problem
too specific for the author to find enough information on it?
• Does the author give sufficient background
information
to the reader to clarify the problem, without including details
unimportant
to this thesis?
• Is the paper well organized and easy to follow?
• Does the paper deal with the problem that the
introduction
posed?
Conclusion:
• Does the author adequately summarize the findings
of
the paper?
• Does the conclusion directly relate to the
questions
in the introduction?
• Does the author mention areas where further work
might
be needed?
Mechanics and Style:
Spelling: Are all words spelled correctly?
Grammar: Possible specific problems include run-on sentences;
fragments;
subject-verb agreement; misused pronouns; incorrect prepositional
idioms;
general punctuation problems (especially commas).
Appropriate use of words: Does the writer use words that are
incorrect
or awkward? Is wordiness a problem?
Paragraph form: Are ideas presented in coherent order within
each
paragraph?
Documentation: Are all borrowed ideas and statements given
proper
credit through footnote citations? Are the citations in the
proper
format?
Style: Is the paper suitably formal in tone and style?
Has the paper been proofread?
Finally, please note that for descriptions of what a good paper and
what
poor paper are like see link under Grading Standards in the web
syllabus.