Mechanics (Grammar, Punctuation, etc.) Have you proofread your sentences carefully to detect and correct errors in sentence completeness (fragments, run-ons)? subject/verb agreement? pronoun reference (be sure all pronouns have only one antecedent)? modifiers (adjective/adverb form; misplaced and dangling modifiers)? verb tense? punctuation? Where appropriate, have you eliminated unnecessary words? varied your syntax, sentence length, and word choice? put parallel thoughts into parallel form? checked to see that comparisons are worded logically? preferred active to passive verb forms? Have you checked your words to be sure that they are correctly spelled and used? Have you consulted a dictionary? Thesaurus? appropriate? (Avoid inappropriate slang, trite expressions and clichés.) Have you used the proper format? Is your paper typed, double-spaced with 1½-inch margins, in 12-point font, with page numbers and name on all pages? in line with APA style for quotes, citations, reference list, etc.? Information Sources Have you properly attributed all quotes and paraphrases of other's work? Have you checked your sources to see that they are sufficiently numerous, authoritative, various, relevant, and timely? Evaluating Academic Writing Criteria for Grading: A. Assignment (parameters, instructions, purpose) M Mechanics (grammar, style, usage, format) O Organization (thesis, introduction, body, conclusion, paragraphing, transitions) T Thought (analysis, research, content, creativity, logic) Characteristics of the "Excellent" Paper (A) [exceeds expectations for graduate work] A • Response to the assignment fully addresses its purpose • Paper follows instructions regarding length, number of sources, etc. • Tone and approach are appropriate for and sensitive to the target audience’s needs • Choice of topic meets and exceeds the instructor’s expectations • The topic is distinguished from the paper’s central thesis M • Format follows appropriate guidelines (MLA, APA, instructor's own) • Usage is correct and language is appropriate and unbiased (gender, culture) • Punctuation, spelling, capitalization, etc., are correct; paper was carefully proofread • Sentences are clear, varied, and concise
Assessment Criteria Not Good Enough 0 score <6 Good 6 score <9 Excellent 9 score 10 Score Template for Ethical Decision Making (score x 2) The paper • applied the template for ethical decision making to the film • explained the salient facts for Wigand and Bergman. • identified Wigand and Bergman’s decision options. • considered the consequences of each decision option for key stakeholders and how each option would affect them. ___/20 Ethical Issues/ Philosophical Schools (score x 1.5) The paper • identified the ethical issues confronting Bergman and Wigand. • related these issues to philosophical schools of thought discussed in class (e.g. utilitarianism, deontology). • applied Bok’s essay to Bergman and Wigand—and the particular difficulties associated with whistleblowing. ___/15 Right-versus-Right Dilemmas (score x 1.5) The paper • showed an understanding of the notion of right-versus-right dilemmas as developed by Badaracco and Kidder • identified the values in conflict for Jeffrey Wigand. • identified the values in conflict for Lowell Bergman. • provided an explanation for why each character acted as he did in resolving his dilemma. ___/20 Defining Moments (score x 1.5) The paper • applied Badaracco’s notion of defining moments to the film. • identified a possible defining moment for Wigand & Bergman. • provided evidence supporting your choice of defining moment. • explained how the decisions made by Wigand and Bergman “revealed, tested, and shaped” their character, demonstrating ethical leadership. ___/15 Organization (weight: point total x ) The paper • was unified, coherent, and developed (paragraphs and essay). • developed a thesis that unified all parts of the paper. • provided links between paragraphs and sections. ___/15 Mechanics, Format, and Document Design (score x 2) • used sophisticated and appropriate language and syntax. • wrote with a minimum of grammar and usage errors. • wrote clear, concise, and varied sentences. • followed APA guidelines for format and documentation. ___/15 Total Score __/100 Comments: Essay 2: Enron