Papers and take-home exams will be graded according to several criteria. The criteria, which have been adapted from the CUNY Proficiency Examination Task 1 Scoring Guide, are listed below. I will assign a score on a 4.0 scale for each category, making the maximum score 16 points. I then convert this raw score to the conventional 4.0 grade scale (16 points = 4.0 = A; 14 = 3.5 = A-/B+; 12 = 3.0 = B, etc.).

    (1) Organization that produces a focused response to the question: The essay should include an introduction that states the main claim(s) or point(s) of your essay and previews the essay itself, a main body structured to respond to the question as posed (i.e., that follows the order of the question), and a conclusion. Further, the essay should feature suitable paragraph divisions and topic sentences, with coherent connections among the parts of the essay. Only material relevant to the question should be included.

    (2) Completeness and accuracy: The essay should respond to all parts of the question, demonstrate full understanding of the arguments of any authors under discussion, and offer specific examples as appropriate to substantiate points. Names, dates, and events relevant to the essay should be accurate.

    (3) Proper use of source material. Appropriate material from sources (including both assigned texts and, if required, additional research) should be integrated into the essay, using correct sentence syntax. Excessive direct quotation should be avoided. All information from outside sources must be cited, not just direct quotations. A standard citation system should be correctly used.  The distinction between your voice and the author(s) under discussion should be clear.

    (4) Clear and effective communication: The essay should communicate ideas clearly and express your meaning precisely, using a vocabulary appropriate for the course and the discipline; grammatical conventions should be used.