POLSC 110 Exam Grading Criteria Fall 2008
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A. Content (counts double)
Objectives: to demonstrate command of course
material (including both lectures and readings); show understanding of
what kind of evidence is appropriate to support argument; employ evidence
systematically to support claims; state historical information accurately
(including names, dates, and places); place events in correct historical
sequence.
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B. Organization
Objectives: to present focused answer to question
in standard essay form, with introduction, body, and conclusion; respond
to question in a way that follows its structure (that is, in the organization
and order it implies); use clear transitions to connect parts of essay;
group material into coherent paragraphs with topic sentences; respond to
all parts of question; avoid digressions and irrelevant information
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C. Effective Writing
Objectives: to communicate clearly and concisely
so essay would be understood by someone who has not taken the course; use
appropriate political science terminology correctly; follow appropriate
language conventions (syntax, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, word
choice, etc.); use precise, specific language to express exact meaning.
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4
Shows mastery of course material; uses appropriate evidence at each point
in the argument where evidence is required; historical information consistently
accurate and complete; timing and historical sequence are expressed precisely
and correctly throughout essay.
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4
Focused, logical approach overall – clear opening that states thesis
and frames full response to question, body paragraphs in order implied
by question, and conclusion that follows from discussion and may amplify
it; transitions make structure clear; sound paragraph construction; complete
response; no digressions.
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4
Communicates effectively throughout the paper with few lapses in conventions;
uses political science terminology correctly; infrequent lapses in use
of language conventions; chooses appropriate words and expressions to convey
meaning.
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3
Solid command of course materials, esp. lectures (less so readings); most
evidence presented is appropriate to support points; few unsupported statements;
historical evidence largely accurate and complete; most evidence correctly
situated in time and order.
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3
Generally clear structure, with defined opening (though it may merely
restate question), body, and conclusion; structure and order generally
corresponds to what question requires; most paragraphs well constructed;
responds to most parts of assignment or question; usually on point.
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3
Communicates clearly; lapses in certain conventions rarely impede comprehension;
political science terminology generally used correctly but sometimes not
employed where appropriate; occasional vague or imprecise language.
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2
Limited command of course material, often vague and/or superficial; evidence
used may fail to support a point; points often not supported by evidence;
much relevant evidence presented in lectures & readings is missing;
inaccuracies and factual errors are common.
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2
Standard essay structure is unclear – opening fails to get to point
of question or state thesis, no conclusion or one poorly connected to what
preceded it; few transitions between paragraphs and sentences; many poor
paragraphs (disjointed or rambling); fails to answer significant part of
question; shows inconsistent grasp of whether a point is relevant.
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2
Meaning is generally clear to informed reader, but poor writing sometimes
impedes comprehension or proves distracting; frequent misuse of political
science terminology; language is often too vague, imprecise, or casual.
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1
Little or no evidence from course materials used to support statements;
evidence is inconsistent and self-contradictory; extremely vague, inaccurate
use of course material.
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1
Basic structure is non-existent; no thesis or point stated at outset; no
transitions; no paragraph breaks or paragraphs are random sentences; very
incomplete, doesn’t answer several parts of question; uses much unnecessary
or irrelevant material.
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1
Verges on unintelligible because sentences rarely adhere to writing
conventions; little or no use of political science terminology; like reading
mud.
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Scoring:Content (double score): _________ Organization:___ Writing:___ Total: _____Grade: ___
Comments: