Scoring Sheet for Writing Assessment
Department of Public and International Affairs
May 3, 2002

 

  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 __________ Poor ________

     

  2. Form of Argument: Clear, balanced, well-developed, including well-stated thesis; related points to support that thesis; and applicable, logically presented, specific evidence. Paragraphs are balanced in their development of points and are not overly-reliant on quotations from sources. Concluding paragraph(s) developed from the argument.

    3. More than satisfactory _______ Satisfactory __________ Poor ________

     

  3. Structure of Argument: Well-organized, flows, appropriate voice/tone for audience and purpose, including thesis statement in one of the first two paragraphs, clear topic sentences, and logical "flow," with good transition between and among ideas. (Note: Some would like a thesis paragraph to lay out a framework for the argument to follow; others noted that the "conclusion" should not come in the first paragraph.)

    4. More than satisfactory _______ Satisfactory __________ Poor ________

     

  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 __________ Poor ________

     

  5. Style and mechanics: word choice, syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, including consistent voice and tone; avoidance of first person, passive voice, contractions, slang, vague pronouns, bureaucratize; well-formed sentences; evidence of proofreading for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation. Correct format.

    6. More than satisfactory _______ Satisfactory __________ Poor ________

     

  6. Overall, this paper is:

    7. More than satisfactory _______ Satisfactory __________ Poor ________

     

  7. Comments?

    8.