The Past in the Present

The Past in the Present

Paper Evaluation Guidelines

On the other side of this page is the grading worksheet that I will use to evaluate your research paper. Papers will be evaluated for: 1) thesis and argument; 2) evidence; 3) interpretation and analysis; 4) organization and coherence; and 5) writing style and mechanics.

These criteria will translate into grades as follows:

A (90-100)=excellent. Exemplary in all five areas.

B (80-89)=good. Strong in all five areas or excellent in some areas but balanced by notable weaknesses in other areas.

C (70-79)=average. Average performance in all five areas or good in some areas but balanced by notable weaknesses in other areas.

D (60-69)=poor. Notable problems in all five areas or average in some areas but balanced by significant weaknesses in other areas.

F (0-59)=unacceptable. Significant weaknesses in all five areas. Serious problems in understanding and communicating the material.

1. Thesis and Argument – introduction presents a clear thesis statement; thesis is consistently argued in the body of the paper.

Questions to ask yourself when drafting and revising your thesis:

• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is, “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s o.k. to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.

2. Use of Evidence –ample, yet carefully selected, evidence from both primary and secondary sources that clearly supports and advances the argument. Paper should also address counter-evidence and weigh conflicting claims. Be sure to cite sources that you either paraphrase or quote directly. When in doubt, provide a citation.
3. Interpretation and Analysis – demonstrates understanding of the sources and their relevant historical contexts; interprets and evaluates (instead of simply repeating) main ideas conveyed in sources. Be bold in your analysis and conclusion. Avoid weak phrases such as “I think” or “It seems.”
4. Organization and Coherence – strong introductory and concluding paragraphs; body paragraphs convey a clear main idea; good use of topic and transitional sentences. Introductory paragraph should serve as an outline, or roadmap, for rest of essay. Conclusion should not only reiterate the main points but also point to the broader implications of your argument.
5. Writing Style and Mechanics – proper grammar, spelling, and format for citations; clarity of writing; specified font, margins, and spacing; minimum/maximum page requirement. You may use the citation format with which you feel most comfortable, as long as you follow it throughout the paper. Be consistent. Avoid the passive voice.

Evaluation Worksheet

1. Thesis and Argument – introduction presents a clear thesis statement; thesis is consistently argued in the body of the paper.

2. Use of Evidence – ample, yet carefully selected, evidence from both primary and secondary sources that clearly supports and advances the argument.

3. Interpretation and Analysis – demonstrates understanding of the sources and their relevant historical contexts; clearly illustrates connection between present and the past; interprets and evaluates (instead of simply repeating) main ideas conveyed in sources.

4. Organization and Coherence – strong introductory and concluding paragraphs; body paragraphs convey a clear main idea; good use of topic and transitional sentences.

5. Writing Style and Mechanics – proper grammar, spelling, and format for citations; clarity of writing; specified font, margins, and spacing; minimum/maximum page requirement.

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