Scoring Sheet for Writing Assessment
Department of Economics
February 3, 2005

 

Note – the order of these elements is not significant.
  1. Content of argument: Clear, complex, original, follows assignment, including knowledge of material; conceptual sophistication and engagement with topic; ability to recognize multiple perspectives; thoughtfulness; original ideas; correct number of pages.

    2. More than satisfactory_____ Satisfactory_____ Unacceptable_____

     

  2. The text "flows" well. Flow includes (a) organization (clear, well-developed hypotheses; clear topic sentences; good transition between ideas; all sections of paper tie together) and (b) tone (language is professionally appropriate; word choice is accurate; text demonstrates appropriate voice for writing task).

    3. More than satisfactory_____ Satisfactory_____ Unacceptable_____

     

  3. Structure of Argument: Well-organized, clear, well-developed, including thesis statement in one of the first two paragraphs, clear topic sentences, and logical “flow,” with good transition between and among ideas. Related points support thesis; and applicable, logically presented, specific evidence is applied.

    4. More than satisfactory_____ Satisfactory_____ Unacceptable_____

     

  4. Documentation and Citation: Sufficient and consistent, including one style of citation used adequately and correctly throughout the paper; adequate number of sources referenced; paraphrases and quotations used appropriately and fully cited.

    5. More than satisfactory_____ Satisfactory_____ Unacceptable_____

     

  5. Mechanics: word choice, syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, avoidance of passive voice, vague pronouns, etc; well-formed sentences; evidence of proofreading for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation. Correct format.

    6. More than satisfactory_____ Satisfactory_____ Unacceptable_____

  6. Style and Tone: tone appropriate for audience and consistent, avoidance of first person, contractions, slang.

    7. More than satisfactory_____ Satisfactory_____ Unacceptable_____

 

Overall, this paper is:

More than satisfactory_____ Satisfactory_____ Unacceptable_____

 

Comments?