Grading Criteria

(Writing and Business Courses)
Grading Submitted Work

The following grading criteria should allow you to approximate your grade for each assignment for this course. I consider both execution (grammar, mechanics, punctuation, usage, appropriate use of technology) and content (effective presentation, consideration of audience, thesis development, smooth transitions) in grading.

An "A" Paper/Presentations Clear and effective content, well matched to the chosen subject. Virtually error free in execution. Both easy to follow and persuasive.

A "B" Paper/Presentation Above average in both content and execution. Minor problems in presentation or transition, but still offers strong thesis development and audience focus. Minimal errors, such as typos, causing slight interference in effectiveness.

A "C" Paper/Presentation Average in both content and execution. Improvements could be made in many areas, but author has made minimal effort to structure and present the paper appropriately. Difficult to follow but still functional.

A "D" Paper/Presentation Missing important elements of both content and execution. Lacks focus and logic. Errors make the assignment very difficult to follow. Needs more process and hard work.

An "F" Paper/Presentation Unacceptable work without consideration of content or execution. Errors make the project impossible to follow . Important parts of the assignment are missing. Author may have misunderstood assignment.

Of course, the grading of work in a writing or business course is subjective. I welcome any questions or comments you have regarding evaluation before or after your assignments have been graded. Please hold onto your graded papers in case we need to review them in later discussions.

Extra Credit

An important part of the learning process is revising your work based on feedback. For most assignments, you may revise/rewrite most homework assignments for additional points. You may not revise final projects, presentations, quizzes or exams. All revisions must be submitted to me by the date shown in the course schedule. (If you submit revisions before the end of the term, I may be able to give you additional feedback. You may revise more than once.) Please note that revising your work is recommended but not required.

Instructor: George Knox Phone: 503-977-4475 E-Mail: gknox@pcc.edu
Office: Portland Community College, Sylvania Campus, CC 221

Copyright 1999, Portland Community College
An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution.

Last Modified: September 14, 2000.

An "A" Paper/Presentations	Clear and effective content, well matched to the chosen subject. Virtually error free in execution. Both easy to follow and persuasive.
A "B" Paper/Presentation	Above average in both content and execution. Minor problems in presentation or transition, but still offers strong thesis development and audience focus. Minimal errors, such as typos, causing slight interference in effectiveness.
A "C" Paper/Presentation	Average in both content and execution. Improvements could be made in many areas, but author has made minimal effort to structure and present the paper appropriately. Difficult to follow but still functional.
A "D" Paper/Presentation	Missing important elements of both content and execution. Lacks focus and logic. Errors make the assignment very difficult to follow. Needs more process and hard work.
An "F" Paper/Presentation	Unacceptable work without consideration of content or execution. Errors make the project impossible to follow . Important parts of the assignment are missing. Author may have misunderstood assignment.