JOURNAL+RUBRIC

Journal/Response Paper Scoring Guide American Classics—Mullen


 * // Note: //** Be sure __to use direct quotations__ from the text(s) when crafting your responses. (See me if you need help citing quotations.) And, always, if you use //outside sources//, cite them appropriately (in and following the paper)—know, though, that outside sources are //neither necessary// //nor encouraged// for this paper.


 * __ A __** These well-organized and well-written responses clearly demonstrate significant understanding of the text/topic. The writing is well-developed and guided by a central idea. References to the text are well-chosen and specific; these references are successfully integrated into the writer’s prose (with proper parenthetical citations). Though not without flaws, these responses offer a convincing argument or interpretation of the text and concepts, as well as consistent control over the virtues of effective writing, including well-chosen verbs and the language appropriate to literary analysis. They demonstrate the writer’s ability to read perceptively and to write with clarity and sophistication.


 * __ B __** These responses also demonstrate an understanding of the text/topic; but, compared to the best responses, they are less thorough and less precise in their thinking. In addition to minor flaws in interpretation, the ideas are likely to be less supported and less incisive. While these responses demonstrate the writer’s ability to express ideas clearly, they could be more polished.


 * __ C __** While these journals respond to the prompt without important errors, they lack depth. Textual evidence, while still present, is not especially effective in supporting the writer’s ideas. Though the writing is sufficient to convey the writer’s thoughts, these responses are typically not as well-conceived or developed, as A & B journals.


 * __ D __** These less-than-average responses are often incomplete or oversimplified. Typically, they fail to adequately accomplish the assignment. The thinking may be weak, inaccurate, or unclear. These journals demonstrate uncertain control over the elements of college-level writing. They usually contain recurrent stylistic flaws and/or misinterpretations, and they often lack persuasive evidence from the text.


 * __ F __** These responses compound the weaknesses of journals in the D range. They may seriously misread the literature. Frequently, they are unacceptably brief. They are poorly written on several counts and may contain many distracting errors in grammar and mechanics. While some attempt may have been made to address the prompt, the writer’s observations are presented with little clarity, organization, or supporting evidence.