Prof. Michael Goldberg
2000
Criteria for Evaluating Analytical Essays
I grade papers using a six-part evaluation process. Although I have listed the criteria in their order of importance, all play an important role in determining your grade. You should use this handout as a quick reference point for improving your writing. When you finish your first draft, ask yourself (or better yet, ask others!) if you have successfully met these criteria. Remember too that mastering writing is a long-term process, and that all assessments should be placed in the context of your goal of continual self-improvement, a process in which virtually all writers are continuously involved. Please do not hesitate to ask me for clarification of any comment or for advice on how you might improve your writing and thinking. Any grade on a single assignment has little worth beyond the immediate emotional impact it provides you. What matters most is the process you undertook to create the paper and the lessons learned from that process.
1. Content—A thought-provoking thesis; skillful analysis that demonstrates some thinking and imagination; assertions that are backed up by evidence; avoidance of generalizations that cannot be proven; mastery of the details; willingness to consider different perspectives, to include complexities in your argument; subject matter that addresses the assignment.
2. Organization—A focused thesis that is developed throughout the essay; sentences that follow logically; coherent, focused paragraphs with topic sentences and effective transitions; a conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but brings the parts of the essay together and provides closure.
3. Mechanics—Generally free of mechanical errors such as run-on sentences, misused commas, misplaced modifiers, etc.; strong, direct, active sentences that contain a clear subject and an appropriate verb with an obvious connection to the object when one is required.
4. Citations—Footnotes or endnotes and bibliography, when necessary, that use the specified format (Chicago Manual of Style for history papers; any recognized format for interdisciplinary papers); all sources of information and ideas cited;
5. Style—An effective voice that engages the reader; a writing style that avoids needless repetition and redundancy; carefully considered vocabulary. (I do not grade down for papers with uninspiring style but I do provide a significant bonus for papers that combine effective style with (at least) the first two criteria.
6. Format—Typed and double-spaced, and generally free of typographical errors; proper margins and spacing (no attempts to avoid space requirements by quadruple spacing, 1/2 inch margins, etc.); pages numbered; name, class, date, and title of the essay (either on a separate page or on the first page); pages attached with a staple (please don't use a binder or other non-paper cover).
Last update 9/12/2000