Professor Jason Witt

 

The A paper

• presents a cogent analysis of or response to the text, elaborating that response with sufficient well-chosen examples and persuasive reasoning;

• conforms to an organizational pattern that facilitates reader understanding, using organizational patterns to demonstrate the relatedness of ideas and to enhance the power of the argument;

• displays a sophisticated style that reflects aptly chosen words and rhetorically effective sentence variety;

• exhibits mastery of the conventions of written English.

 

The B paper

• presents a thoughtful analysis of or response to the text, elaborating that response with sufficient appropriate  examples and logical reasoning;

• conforms to an organizational pattern that facilitates reader understanding, using organizational patterns to convey the argument;

• displays a readable style that reflects well-chosen words and effective sentences;

• demonstrates competence in the conventions of written English.

 

The C paper

• presents an appropriate analysis of or response to the text, elaborating that response with sufficient acceptable examples and sensible reasoning;

• conforms to an organizational pattern that facilitates reader understanding, using organizational patterns to illustrate the argument;

• displays a style that reflects appropriate words and sentence variety;

• observes the conventions of written English.

 

The D paper

• presents an inconsistent or illogical response to the text that reflects an incomplete understanding of the text or topic, or that lacks elaboration with sufficient appropriate examples;

• deviates from an organizational pattern that facilitates reader understanding, so that organizational structures may detract from the argument;

• displays a style that reflects imprecise word choice and/or little sentence variety;

• may deviate from the conventions of written English, displaying occasional major    

•        errors in grammar and usage or frequent minor errors.

 

The F paper

• presents a simplistic, inappropriate, or incoherent analysis of or response to the text, one that lacks sufficient and relevant development or one that may suggest some significant misunderstanding of the text or the topic;

• lacks an organizational pattern that facilitates reader understanding;

• displays a style that reflects at least one of the following: simplistic or inaccurate word choice; monotonous or fragmented sentence structure;

• repeatedly deviates from the conventions of written English, displaying many repeated errors in grammar and usage.