Guidelines for writing assignments

The following list has some of the criteria that tutors will be looking for when assessing your work. These criteria are meant to be a guide not a checklist, and some of them may not be relevant, depending on the task that has been set

Content

1. Introduction
   1. Is the topic novel and original?
   2. Does the author state purpose, problem, or question to be considered?
   3. How does the author convince the reader that the work is worth reading?
   4. Does the author present a preview of how the problem will be handled?
2. Body
   1. How are the statements made warranted?
      (Is there evidence that data collected have been analyzed and the literature reviewed? Are the assumptions logical?)
   2. Presentation of evidence
      1. Is contradictory evidence dealt with adequately?
      2. Are multiple sources considered if available?
      3. Is the evidence discussed relevant to the purpose stated?
      4. Is the argument internally consistent?
         (That is, does one point follow from another?)
      5. Is the argument plausible?
      6. Are the methods chosen for testing the argument convincing?
   3. Suitability of paper's focus
      1. Is the problem chosen focused enough to be adequately covered in the space of the paper?
      2. Is the problem chosen too specific for the author's sources of information?
   4. Background information
      1. Is enough information given to familiarize the reader with the problem?
      2. Is unimportant background material included?
   5. Is the presentation easy to follow and well organized?
   6. Does the author deal with the problem set up in the introduction?
3. Conclusion
   1. Does the author summarize findings adequately?
   2. Is the conclusion directly related to the questions asked in the introduction?
   3. Does the author suggest areas where further work is needed?

Connections to class

1. Evidence that class materials have been read and understood
2. Application of lecture materials and assigned readings to paper

Form

1. Spelling
2. Grammar
3. Appropriate use of words
4. Paragraph form: Are ideas presented in coherent order?
5. Footnotes and bibliography: Are borrowed ideas and statements given credit?
   Is the form of the footnotes and bibliography understandable and consistent?

Source: LaPree, G., 1977, Establishing criteria for grading student papers: Moving beyond mysticism. Teaching and Learning 3(1)