Grading Criteria for Term Papers
A high quality term paper has a number of characteristics... good papers are:
Well researched - Key information in the scientific literature has been researched and included in the paper. The information drawn upon is of the highest quality, and whenever possible the primary scientific literature (information in peer-reviewed technical journals) is used, with reliance on compiled reviews and books used only when absolutely necessary, and information from web pages used only under rare circumstances.Well organized - The information gathered in your library research is used appropriately and logically. The primary points are organized in a logical manner, and lead in a thoughtful way to development of your central thesis and conclusions.
Grammatically correct and without spelling errors - With all of the resources available in the University, there is little excuse for errors in grammar and spelling. Most (but not all) of these errors can be ferreted out through use of spelling and grammar tools in your word processing software. If the technical aspects of writing are difficult to you because of lack of adequate skill development or because English is not your first language, help is available at a number of locations on campus. If you need to use them, do so!
Well formatted - The paper uses consistent and appropriate citation formats, and meets the format requirements assigned.Well presented - The paper is written in a way that adheres to the format requirements of the assignment, and the paper is neatly printed using a high quality printer on white paper that is free of smudge marks, tears, or other abnormalities. Although some instructors may be impressed by fancy plastic folders or binders, that is not the case in this class. A simple staple in the corner will do.
Grading for term papers is by definition a subjective process. However, there are often clear differences between "A" papers and "B" papers, and between "B" papers and "C" papers, and so on. To help guide you, below are a list of the characteristics of papers of different grades.
A - Highest quality. Papers in this category are well researched, well organized, grammatically correct without spelling errors, well formatted, and well presented. In addition, papers in this category address all aspects of the topic listed in the web page for your topical area.
B - Very good quality. Papers in this category are good or excellent in many of the criteria for an "A" paper, but fall short in one or more areas. These papers are generally quite good, but are not superlative in one or more areas, such as: failure to consistently adhere to standard conventions of writing, some spelling errors, citation format incorrect, some of the references used of mediocre quality, minor logical errors in development of the topical area, etc.
C - Moderate quality. Papers in this category are lacking in more than one of the criteria of an "A" paper. These papers are generally mediocre in one or more areas, but quality of different aspects of the paper may be inconsistent. For example, a C paper may be very well researched, but poorly organized and presented; or alternatively may be well organized and presented, but very poorly researched.
D - Poor quality. Papers in this category have serious deficiencies in one (and often more) of the criteria defining good papers.
F - Unacceptable quality. Papers in this category significantly fail to meet minimum quality standards in at least one, but frequently several areas, and/or fail to meet the basic requirements of the assignment.