A “good” paper should include:
 (A checklist compiled by the Communication Studies Communication Major and adapted for this class)

An introduction that:
___ (1) Appropriately grabs the reader’s attention
___ (2) Clearly states a thesis, purpose, or argument.
___ (3) Previews main points.

Content that:
___ (1) Develops the main points that support the thesis.
___ (2) Presents clear scholarly evidence to logically support the thesis.
___ (3) Integrates relevant references.

An organizational scheme that carries the thesis through the paper by providing:
___ (1) Clear topic sentences.
___ (2) Well developed paragraphs (A paragraph should develop one idea in depth; it should not be a series of unsupported claims)
___ (3) Clear sentence structure
___ (4) Clear transitions

A conclusion that:
___ (1) Reviews main points.
___ (2) Restates the thesis, purpose, or argument.
___ (3) Leaves a final impression.

A writing style that is:
___ (1) Engaging and interesting.
___ (2) Free of grammatical and spelling errors.
___ (3) Uses effective and appropriate language.

A writing process that involves:
___ (1) Being proofread at least twice.
___ (2) Using the Writing Center and/or peer editors.
___ (3) Checking the assignment description on the syllabus and making sure all substantive and stylistic requirements were completed.
___ (4) Submitting the essay to Turnitin AND reviewing the report to identify any problem areas.

Grading criteria: I use the following general criteria to guide my evaluation of students’ written work in the Communication Studies Department at the University of Northern Iowa. Specific assignment requirements also must be met.

The excellent paper (“A”) would have the following characteristics (in addition to the positive elements of a “B/B+” paper):

• clearly and accurately synthesize referenced material into argument
• key concepts are defined clearly and accurately
• examples are relevant and well thought-out
• well-supported conclusions and implications
• almost all sentences and paragraphs are well constructed with appropriate topic/transition sentences
• minimal grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors
• extensive external research

The above average paper (“B/B+”) would be characterized by (in addition to the positive elements of a “C/C+” paper):

• clear development of all components (e.g., intro, body, and conclusion)
• organized with clear internal structure (e.g., topic and transition sentences)
• clear analysis and evaluation including (when appropriate) personal reflection
• most sentences and paragraphs are well constructed
• occasional grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors
• complete and correct in-text citations and reference page

The average paper (“C/C+”) would be characterized by:

• completion of all the required elements as outlined in the syllabus
• clear specific purpose that is adequately supported with relevant materials
• clear central idea that achieves specific purpose
• clear organization (e.g., intro, body, and conclusion)
• appropriate word choice and grammar
• adequate amount of credible (i.e., peer-reviewed) information cited when required.
• some synthesis of ideas, original analysis, and evaluation
• a few sentences that are awkwardly structured and an occasional unorganized paragraph
• some grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors
• minimal errors in in-text citations or reference page