In-class writings are graded on a scale of 0-5 points.

0 points: Student has not handed in work, or has plagiarized from another source.

1 point: Minimal effort.  Student writes something but does not explore or address the assignment, or attempts to answer the assignment only in a few sentences.  Essay may contain a good deal of padding or free writing.  Offers no original ideas, thought, or support.  May be incoherent or poorly written. 

2 points: Student writes something and attempts to explore the assignment.  Student may misunderstand the assignment.  Tries to offer some ideas and thoughts, but does not succeed well.  Paper lacks support for its ideas.  May contain padding or free writing.  Writing is poor: paper may be incoherent, unfocused, or unorganized (or all three); wording may be awkward, unclear, or otherwise problematic; grammar, spelling, and mechanics are below college level.  Outside sources are not properly documented.  Paper may have lack an introduction and a conclusion, or have weak ones. 

3 points: This paper has a thesis that addresses the assignment, but the paper may lose focus at times.  The paper is somewhat organized, but overall organization and / or the paragraph organization need improvement.  Connections between the thesis and the paragraphs are not always clear.  Transitions may be weak or awkward.  The paper has weak support for its ideas, and / or offers little analysis or discussion or its support.  Introduction and conclusion need work.  The paper is generally coherent, but may have some awkward or unclear spots.  Grammar, spelling, and mechanics are acceptable, college-level work.  Outside sources are documented, but documentation format may not be correct.

4 points: This paper has a strong thesis that addresses the assignment.  The paper always focuses on the thesis.  The overall organization is generally clear and easy to follow, though paragraph organization may need work in places.  Connections between the thesis and the paragraphs are generally clear, but may be awkward occasionally.  Transitions between paragraphs may be rough. Support for ideas is strong, and evidence is analyzed and discussed.  Introduction and conclusion are good.  The paper has obviously been thought out beforehand and revised after a first draft.  Word choice is appropriate; grammar, spelling, and mechanics are all correct.  Outside sources are documented properly. 

5 points: The paper reads like a professional piece of work.  Paper has a strong and interesting thesis that addresses the assignment.  The paper always focuses on the thesis.  The overall organization is generally clear and easy to follow; paragraph organization is similarly strong.  Connections between the thesis and the paragraphs are clear and strong.  Transitions between paragraphs and ideas are smooth. Support for ideas is strong, and evidence is analyzed and discussed.  Introduction and conclusion are strong and interesting.  The paper has obviously been thought out beforehand and revised after a first draft.  Word choice is appropriate and original; grammar, spelling, and mechanics are all correct.   Outside sources are documented properly.