Grading Rubric for Writing Assignments

LSP 150: Computers & Society
Lehman College-- CUNY
Fall 2004


Grades for the writing assignments are based on a 10 point scale, or rubric.  This rubric is based on the ones used for grading standardized exams such as the AP Writing Exam. 

First, your essay is graded following the guidelines below.  Then it's multiplied by a factor to give the correct number of points for the assignment.  For example, Quiz 2 is worth 30 points.  So, if your rubric score is 9 on the writing part of Quiz 2, then your score will be multiplied by 3 (eg 9 * 3 = 27) to give the grade for the assignment. 

All writing assignments can be resubmitted if you are not happy with your initial grade.



Rubric Score
 Qualities an Essay with this Score Has:
9-10
 Well written paper demonstrating excellent command of the English Language.  Addresses all aspects of the prompt.  Uses many details from the text and outside  sources to support arguments.   No grammatical or spelling mistakes.  Essays scoring at the top of this range show unusual insight and understanding, and have clear, crisp writing.
7-8
 Writing shows good insight and understanding addressing the prompt. Uses some details from the text and outside  sources to support arguments. Good command of the English Language.  Minor grammatical or spelling mistakes.  You cannot get higher than an 8 if the essay contains grammatical or spelling mistakes.
5-6
 The essay contains does addresses only part of the prompt or is superficial.  Uses few details from the text and outside  sources to support arguments.  Some grammatical or spelling mistakes.
3-4
 The essay does not address the prompt or does not support arguments with details from text or outside sources.  Serious grammatical or spelling mistakes that make it difficult to understand the writer's intent.  You cannot get higher than a 4 if the essay contains a run-on or sentence fragment.
1-2
 A weaker version of the criteria above:  does not address the prompt or fails to justify arguments with details from the text or outside sources.  Lacks a thesis statement.  Uses incorrect grammar and syntax consistently.  Very difficult to understand.
0
 No work submitted