Evaluating the Paper

Grade evaluation

Excellent paper--  The paper has a good, specific thesis that is a complete sentence and not a question.  There is an attention getter that creates interest in the subject and connects clearly to the thesis.  The paragraphs all have strong topic sentences that make points about the thesis.  Each of the paragraphs develops that topic sentence with examples and analysis of those examples.  The conclusion summarizes the main points without repetition and ends the paper creatively.  There are transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and points to create a unified paper.  There are very few, if any, mechanical errors.  There is no problem with repetitive language or structures.

Good  paper--  The paper has a good, specific thesis that is a complete sentence and not a question.  There is an attention getter, but it lacks creativity and/or does not connect to the thesis.  The paragraphs of development have good topic sentences and examples, but lack strong analysis of those examples.  The conclusion is adequate, but lacks creativity.  There is some use of transitions to create unity.  There are at least three mechanical errors per paragraph.

Mediocre paper--  The paper’s thesis does not clearly state a point that the paper develops, or the thesis is either a sentence fragment or a question.  There is little or no attention getter.  The paragraphs are weakly developed with vague topic sentences and limited examples and analysis.  The conclusion is repetitive.  There are few transitions and several mechanical errors.

Poor paper--  The thesis is vague to almost nonexistent.  The paragraphs lack topic sentences and contain few specific examples with very little, if any, analysis of those examples.  There is no conclusion outside of a repeated thesis.  There are no transitions and too many mechanical errors.