Evaluation Criteria

Student writing is evaluated in three general areas: content, structure, and language.

CONTENT: includes the elements of thesis and focus, audience awareness, the development of ideas and evidence of critical thinking, and research (incorporating outside sources). For the purposes of this essay, the only required research is that you’ve read the Freshman Common Reader. You are, however, expected to incorporate that reading into your essay. (See Expectations.) Additional sources are optional.

STRUCTURE: includes both organization (the clear, logical, and appropriate ordering of ideas) and format (appearance, paragraphing).

LANGUAGE: includes syntax, diction, and mechanics—varied and precise vocabulary, a variety of sentence length and complexity, spelling, grammar, and the overall sophistication of language usage.