Grading Criteria—Please note that one-quarter (25 points) of each paper grade is dependent on administrative factors such as whether the paper meets the assignment specifications.  An outstanding paper that is significantly too short, does not fully address the assignment, or was not properly drafted is automatically a 75, before other standards are applied to the grading process. 

 

A=90-100 Range—

   Thesis is specific, arguable, stated early in the paper, and clearly addresses the assignment.

   Organization is clear, logical, and graceful, with appropriate transitions throughout.  All ideas/points are developed thoroughly and logically. 

   Claims are debatable, and supported with specific examples from the film, focusing on individual scenes rather than plot summary. Historical claims are supported with documented evidence.

   MLA format and documentation are flawless in every detail.

   Academic style and voice are formal, with a clear sense of audience and authoritative persona.  No second person, slang, clichés, or “just because…does not mean” sentences are present.  Parentheses are restricted to in-text citations.

   Sentences are very well-crafted—clear and concise.  No fragments, run-ons, dangling modifiers, awkward/unclear wording, or incorrect use of tense(s) are present.  Word choice is appropriate and demonstrates collegiate vocabulary.

   Detail-level proofreading is nearly flawless (in general, no more than 1 minor error per page).

   Conclusion adequately invokes the main points and thesis of the paper.  Broad, general statements that do not support the specific goal of the paper are avoided.  No new points are introduced therein. 

 

B=80-89 Range—

   Thesis is specific, arguable, and clearly addresses the assignment.

   Organization is clear and logical with an attempt at graceful transition.  Most ideas/points are developed thoroughly and logically.

   Claims are supported with specific examples from the film, focusing on scenes rather than plot summary.

   Documentation is for the most part correct.  A works cited page is present and nearly flawless.

   Academic style and voice are formal, with a clear sense of audience and authoritative persona.  Flaws are minor and infrequent.

   Sentences are for the most part well-crafted—generally A-level understanding with some lapses in practice.

   Detail-level proofreading is evident, and remaining errors are relatively few and not distracting.

   Conclusion invokes the thesis or main points of the paper and generally avoids excessive language that detracts from its specificity. No new points are introduced therein.

 

C=70-79 Range—

   Thesis clearly addresses the assignment.

   A clear organizational structure is evident and in use.  Several points need development, explanation.

   Claims are supported with examples from the film, but some plot summary is evident.

   Documentation is flawed, but partly coheres to MLA standards.  A works cited page is present.

   Paper shows an attempt to develop style and voice appropriate to an academic audience—as exhibited by competent word choice and a relatively consistent persona.

   Sentences are clear but show inconsistencies.

   Detail-level proofreading is evident, and errors do not significantly affect meaning or credibility.

   Conclusion retains some specificity but is laden with generalities.  No new points are introduced therein.

 

D=60-69 Range----

   Thesis is not clear, doesn’t address the assignment.

   Organization is not clear or logical.  Points are rarely developed well.

   Claims are mostly supported with plot summary, some specific scenes may be referred to.

   Documentation is present in some form.  A works cited or bibliography page is present.

   Voice is largely informal, not particularly academic.

   Sentences and grammar are error-ridden, seriously lacking clarity and credibility.

   Conclusion is general, doesn’t contain any information specific to the paper’s argument.  No new points are introduced therein.