Guidelines & Grading Criteria for Papers

Rod Fowers, MA

These are general guidelines for writing papers in my classes.

For APA guidelines click on the button below.

Papers for my classes are graded in three general areas: content, format, and spelling/grammar/syntax. Allow yourself enough time when writing papers to allow for problems, e.g. the dog eating your paper, your printer or computer crashing, etc. Remember, you may always hand in papers before the due date to allow for critique and rewriting.

Content:

This is of primary concern. At least 85% of the total grade for the paper is focused on the content. (REFER to course syllabus for specific content guidelines.) Criteria used in grading content are:

• complete, in-depth coverage of the subject assigned or chosen

• correct theoretical and technical definitions as per subject matter

• academic thinking—beyond personal opinion

• justification of statements of opinion following the Critical Thinking guidelines attached to this handout

• appropriate credit given to sources used in preparation or quotations

Please be aware of the types of sources you use in researching and writing your papers.  Resources must be appropriate to college-level writing.

Format:

The formatting of your paper counts for at least 5% of your grade, but possibly more. Papers which are so poorly formatted that content is compromised will suffer more than a 5% loss of credit. Criteria used in grading format are:

• 1" margins all around—this means the TOP margin too

• normal-sized fonts, like the one used in this handout

• use of quotation marks when citing sources besides yourself; reference these citations

• if you use any sources beyond your own brain, cite these sources in the body of the paper and include a reference section at the end of the paper

• pages are numbered

• paper is stapled BEFORE coming to class

• title pages are necessary in APA format

• DO NOT use folders or binders

• length requirement is met

• double spacing

• DO NOT double-double space between paragraphs

Spelling, Grammar, and Syntax:

Spelling and grammar directly influence content. If your paper is so poorly written that I can’t understand what you’re trying to say, your grade will suffer and you will likely have to rewrite it. If you have trouble with writing, utilize the resources available to you on campus. Spelling & grammar account for at least 5% of your grade. Criteria used for spelling and grammar are:

• correct spelling—use a spell-checker or have someone proof-read your paper

• correct usage of words, e.g. accept & except; their, they’re, & there, etc.

• correct syntax and sentence structure

• correct usage of punctuation, i.e. commas, periods, apostrophes, etc.

• one or two typo’s is acceptable—more than that are unacceptable