Now, here is an outline of how I will grade your written work on your four Journal Entries, each of which is worth 100 points:
- Introduction: 10 points
o In the Introduction, state the purpose of your essay or presentation, and give a summary of what you’re going to say in the body of the paper (or presentation)
o In other words, summarize what you’re going to tell me, and the sequence of topics you will cover in the body of your paper.
- Body: 60 points
o The points you receive on the body will be based on how well you define and integrate thecourse concepts into your presentation and your use of illustrative examples and/or research information. I favor the use of examples for illustration of your points and to back up (where necessary) what you are asserting in your paper.
o Make sure you answer ALL the questions stated in the Module instructions. Though it may seem surprising, people often forget to make sure they have done this.
o Though the papers have a word count associated with them (in the Syllabus), if it takes you more words to make your point clearly, use more words.
o Don’t leave me hanging: If you bring up a point and don’t follow up with a thorough presentation of its implications, don’t bring it up.
o Don’t just assume that I know something—the objective here is for you to prove to me that you know it.
- Grammar: 10 points
o This is self-explanatory
o Use the Smarthinking link to get help with your writing if you need it.
- Mechanics: 10 points
o Is it easy to follow?
o Do you talk about one thing at a time in each paragraph?
o Does each paragraph have a topic sentence ?
o If you need help with this, a Smarthinking tutor can provide that, too.
- Conclusion: 10 points
o Summarize what you just finished proving or illustrating; remind the reader (me, in this case) of why he or she read the paper in the first place
o The more clearly you state the conclusion, the better
