GRADING CRITERIA FOR EXAMS AND WRITTEN 
ASSIGNMENTS

In writing an essay you are attempting to demonstrate to the professor that you have mastered the material of the course.  This often involves more than simply answering the question in a few lines.  Below is the criteria I use when grading essays:

 
A     
You complete all important components of the question and communicate ideas clearly. 
You demonstrate in-depth understanding of the relevant concepts and/or processes.
Where appropriate, you offer insightful interpretations, examples, or extensions (generalizations, applications, analogies).
B
You complete the most important components of the question and communicate clearly.
You demonstrate an understanding of major concepts even though you overlook or misunderstand some less important ideas or details.
C
You complete some important components of the question and communicate those clearly.
You demonstrate that there are gaps in you conceptual understanding.
D
You show minimal understanding of the question.
You address only a small portion of the question.
E
Your answer is totally incorrect or irrelevant to the question asked.
You did not give any answer at all.

Adapted from Biology Lab Guide, Northern Arizona University.  1998.  9th ed.  Biology 100, Principles of Biology, Department of Biological Sciences by way of Dr. Terry Derting.


 
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