James Tomlinson, Ph.D.
Department of Communication Studies

Research papers and reports assigned in my classes are graded using the following criteria:

Your paper will receive points using the system noted below:

(1 = poor,    2 = needs improvement,  3 = acceptable,  4 = excellent,   5= superior)

Part 1: Written Presentation 

             A.  Topic Selection

             B.  Clarity of Focus

             C.  How Challenging is the Material

             D.  Writing Style (Precision and Clarity)

             E.  Writing Mechanics/Grammar/Punctuation/Linguistic Devices
    (it might be helpful to view my page on "Rhetorical Devices" - click here)

             F.  Organization/Format

             G.  Quality of Content

Part 2: Research

             A.  Quality of Research Material

             B.  Proper Citations

             C.  Appropriate Type and Number of Sources