Criteria used in arriving at grades for written work

FORMAL (LINGUISTIC AND LOGICAL) ASPECTS

1. proper use of words and spelling and grammar
2. proper use of, and style for, citations and bibliography
3. sentence and paragraph structure
4. structure of the essay as a whole and style (organisation and logical flow, unity and rhythm and spontaneity and variety in expression)

CONTENT and FORMAT

1. introduction
2. body of essay
1. accuracy in description of views, while avoiding verbosity
2. analytical ability (ability to see the key points in the argument)
3. critical ability (ability to judge an argument in terms of method, accuracy, consistency, applicability)
3. conclusion (summary and synthesis of the arguments in the paper)

• NOTE: bare conformity to these criteria would not warrant any more than an average grade
• Assignments should be taken seriously and prepared as if they were work submitted to an employer.
• Late essays likely will not be accepted; this is a principle of strict procedural justice. (Apologies to those holding material principles of justice.)