How Teachers Grade Essays
Originality of Thought
- Are you simply repeating someone else's opinions without useful commentary of your own on their opinions?
- Have you thought analytically about your topic and attempted to communicate your own formulated ideas in your paper?
Style
- Can the average reader easily understand what you are saying?
- Does your introduction catch your readers' attention?
- Are your thoughts clear and concise?
- Does your paper flow?
- Can your paper hold the interest of your audience?
Thesis Statement and Development
- Have you introduced your topic in an opening paragraph?
- Does your paper include a thesis statement?
- Have you expanded and supported your thesis statement in the body of the paper?
- Have you tied up the loose ends in your conclusion?
Organization
- Is each paragraph internally organized; do the sentences flow logically?
- Does your paper include smooth transitions into each paragraph?
- Have you grouped like information together in the same paragraph or section?
- Can you sum up each paragraph in one sentence?
Support
- Do you adequately explain and back up your main points?
- Do you use your sources effectively, either through quotes and/or paraphrases, to support your ideas?
Common Errors
- Have you carefully read through your paper checking for correct capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure?
- Have you followed the guidelines of the format your professor has specified?
Tips
- Do not turn in the first draft; proofread your own work!
- Have a friend look over your paper, or come to the Writing Center.
- Be familiar with the format you are using.
- Read the paper from the last paragraph to the first.