Meridian Arts and Sciences

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Thesis: The main idea or premise of your paper; what the paper is all about. Picking a pertinent and interesting topic is important.

Difficult to find thesis; may be redundant or off topic entirely. Thesis may be too broad, vague, or ineffectual.

Topic is unclear and/or unoriginal; provides weak framework for writing

Promising, but slightly unclear or not as pertinent as another topic may be. Lacks slightly in originality

Easily identifiable; pertinent to SCA; clear and insightful

Organization: How the paper is put together. Most papers have three clearly identifiable parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction and conclusion are usually a single paragraph, while the body of a paper may be many paragraphs.

Unclear, poor transitions, few topic sentences. Few if any smooth transitions. Extremely difficult to follow line of logic. Writing wanders off topic frequently.

Weak transitions between subtopics; writing wanders off topic on occasion.

Clear and satisfactory; a few transitions may be unclear, but the organization is generally consistent

Smooth transitions; paper flows logically from point to point. Each paragraph has strong topic sentence.

Mechanics: Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and citation using one chosen style consistently (i.e. APA, Chicago , Turabian, MLA, etc.)

Run-on sentences and comma splices are copious. Many spelling and grammar errors and no evidence of consistent style for citations. Excessive repetition, and grammar errors interfere with reading and comprehension of writing.

Little variance in sentence structure; 6 or 7 grammar errors; 3-5 spelling errors. One or more major citation style errors.

Some variance in sentence structure; no more than 4-5 grammar errors or 2 spelling errors. Minor errors in citation style

Varied sentence structure; no spelling errors; 3 or less minor grammar errors; a single chosen citation style is used correctly.

Analysis and Evidence: Analysis is how well you “prove” your point or explain and develop your ideas. Evidence refers to sources and examples to back up your claims and arguments; also includes the use of “good” sources versus “poor” ones.

Weak attempts to relate evidence to points. Sources are inappropriate for topic. No sources listed for direct quotes. Lack of citations (footnotes, parenthetical notes, endnotes). Sources are inapplicable or contain overly vague information.

Only some points supported. May rely overmuch on direct quotes. Some sources questionable. Analysis is not particularly new or fresh.

Points generally well-substantiated, with some quotes and paraphrases. Some analysis may be new, but some is not. Sources are generally acceptable

Has strong, well-explained examples to substantiate every point. Uses quotes as well as paraphrases. Has fresh perspective on the topic. Uses quality sources.

Style: Style is admittedly subjective. It is that instinctual flow and creative knack that makes a written document memorable and pleasurable to read. It also includes word choices that are unique and non-repetitive.

Minimal or unsuccessful attempts to make the paper stylish or creative. Prose lacks any personality/liveliness. Style is flat. It is an effort for the reader to finish or comprehend the paper.

Paper is adequate but nothing about the style makes the document stand out to the reader.

The paper is enjoyable to read but may not be as creative and engaging as an A paper.

Engaging and creative. The writer makes the paper particularly interesting and enjoyable to read.