Portfolio Grading Criteria

Criteria for B grade Points Grade
1. All parts present and the minimum number of words
15
2. Content correct as assigned
15
3. Writing Quality
70
Overall grade


Writing quality means the following for an "A" grade (63-70 points):
Outstanding work
--has a clear thesis that presents an idea worthy of development
--is developed well--convincingly and thoroughly--with effective support that is specific, interesting, and appropriate
--possesses sentence variety
--exhibits sophisticated, appropriate use of transitions
--has few, if any, mechanical, grammatical, spelling, or diction errors
--demonstrates command of mature and unpretentious diction
--excels

B (56-62 points)
--the paper shares most of the characteristics of an "A" paper but has minor lapses in development and organization, an occational ineffective transition, a few awkward or ineffective sentences, less varied sentence structure, and less sophisticated command of langu
age.

C (49-55 points)
Adequate work
--The paper is generally competent but weaker than a "B" paper.

D (42-49 points)
Poor work
--a vague or too obvious thesis
--major organizational problems
--lack of support for the thesis
--confusion or nonexistent transitions
--ungrammatical or poorly stru
ctured sentences
--problems with spelling, punctuation, diction or syntax which impede understanding

E (0-40 points)
Failing work
--Is seriously flawed.

Evaluation of the Portfolios and Final Grading

In the final stage you will receive written and oral feedback on your portfolio pieces from me and from other members of the class. During the semester you and I will also meet individually to discuss your work. Your final grade for the course will be determined holistically; that is, based on your participation and attendance, textual annotations, reading notebook, individual conferences, and course portfolio.