Grading Criteria

4

3

2

1

Engages your reader with an interesting, focused discussion of some aspect of the topic:

• Employs a clear focus on a the narrator’s experiences as a member of an interest group
• Is clearly focused on how "good writing" is understood by a interest group
• Contains examples appropriate to the topic
• Is well researched; shows careful attention to questions that will elicit interesting responses
• Quotes carefully and tied quoted information to larger points.
• Employs careful and detailed analysis of interview responses based upon your own understanding of the topic through clearly acknowledged sources of information.

Demonstrates a knowledge of basic organizational techniques:

• Forecasts organization of paper
• Employs topic sentences to organize paragraphs
• Uses transitions between paragraphs to help reader follow the logic of the argument
• Uses transitional words (a given/new) pattern to develop logical connections between sentences

Attempts to use language in ways that are interesting:

• Uses a variety of sentence types and structures
  Demonstrates a college-level vocabulary appropriate for this audience
• Uses consistent voice appropriate to the audience and purpose of the essay
• Uses an engaging voice
• Avoids shifts in point of view

Shows adequate attention to proofing, editing:

• No errors that show spell check wasn't run
• Any errors do not impact the readers' understanding of the work
• Errors are minor and do not interfere with writer's credibility

Elizabeth Birmingham
Assistant Professor, Department of English
320J Minard Hall
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota 58105

Office: (701) 231-6587
e-mail: Elizabeth.Birmingham@ndsu.nodak.edu

Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling: 1-800-488-NDSU.