Holistic Scoring Guide
An “A” paper:
Includes an interesting, clever title clearly alluding to the crux of the paper’s argument.
Is structured with a clear, original thesis and strong topic sentences.
Engages the reader with an interesting, thought-provoking argument.
(Final paper only): Connects the two works in a meaningful, insightful way anddemonstrates a solid understanding of interdisciplinary analysis.
Contains original, well-supported analysis and commentary that goes beyond the obviousand pertains specifically to the pieces in question.
Clearly relates each major point back to the thesis statement or principal concept.
Focuses on analysis rather than description when discussing the pieces in question.
Includes many specific, detailed references to and examples from the pieces in question.
Maintains a clear, consistent focus throughout the paper (no irrelevant material,vacillating emphases, or repetitive segments).
Demonstrates a clear understanding of technical terms and effectively incorporates this
terminology into the paper where appropriate.
Is mechanically and grammatically sound.
Follows APA style guidelines.
Meets the length requirement (no large font, spaces, headings, or margins totake up space).
Includes correct citations and a Works Cited page if applicable.
A “B” paper:
Includes a predictable, straightforward title that may or may not allude to the crux of thepaper’s argument.
Is structured with a clear thesis and topic sentences.
Somewhat engages the reader with a straightforward, fairly predictable argument.
(Final paper only): Connects the two works in a straightforward way and demonstrates abasic understanding of interdisciplinary analysis.
Contains standard, supported analysis and commentary pertaining specifically to thepieces in question.
Relates some (but not all) major points back to the thesis statement or principal concept.
Includes mostly analysis, but also some description when discussing the pieces inquestion.
Includes some specific references to and examples from the piece in question.
May include a vacillating or inconsistent focus throughout the paper with occasionalirrelevant material or repetitive segments.
Demonstrates a basic understanding of technical terms and occasionally incorporates thisterminology into the paper.
May contain a few mechanical or grammatical errors.
Follows most APA style guidelines.
Generally meets the length requirement (no large font, spaces, headings, ormargins to take up space).
Includes mostly correct citations and a Works Cited page if applicable.
A “C” paper:
Includes a predictable, but somewhat misleading or unclear title.
Lacks a well-focused thesis statement or clear topic sentences.
Lacks an interesting or engaging argument.
(Final paper only): Fails to effectively connect the two works in an insightful ormeaningful way and demonstrates limited understanding of interdisciplinary analysis.
Contains standard, often unsupported analysis that may or may not pertain specifically tothe pieces in question.
Fails to relate most points back to the thesis statement (if there is one) or principalconcept.
Includes primarily description rather than analysis.
Includes very few specific references to and examples from the pieces in question.
Fails to maintain a consistent or clear focus throughout the paper (includes irrelevantmaterial, vacillating emphases, and repetitive segments).
Demonstrates only a limited understanding of technical terms and generally fails toincorporate appropriate terminology into the paper.
Contains many mechanical or grammatical errors.
Does not consistently follow APA style guidelines.
May or may not meet the length requirement.
Contains many incorrect (or missing) citations and may or may not include a WorksCited page.
A “D” paper:
Is missing a title or includes one that is misleading and unclear.
Lacks any thesis statement (though it may indicate a topic) or topic sentences.
Lacks an argument.
(Final paper only): Fails to connect the two works (treats them separately) and
demonstrates little (if any) understanding of interdisciplinary analysis.
Contains largely unsupported analysis that rarely pertains specifically to the pieces in
question.
Fails to relate points back to the principal concept.
Includes description rather than analysis.
Includes very few (if any) specific references to and examples from the pieces in
question.
Fails to maintain any perceptible focus throughout the paper (includes irrelevant material,vacillating emphases, and repetitive segments).
Does not demonstrate an understanding of technical terms and fails to incorporate
appropriate terminology into the paper.
Contains many mechanical or grammatical errors.
Does not follow MLA style guidelines.
Generally does not meet the length requirement.
Contains very few (if any) citations and does not include a Works Cited page.