ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY AND ETHICS
PAPER EVALUATION CRITERIA
CONTENT / DEVELOPMENT (top priority) --------------------------- strong acceptable weak not acceptable
- How appropriate is the topic in terms of the assignment?
- How evident is the purpose for writing?
- To what extent is the evidence / information:
- Relevant?
- Accurate?
- Necessary?
- Complete?
CONCEPTUALIZATION / REASONING (top priority) ----------------- strong acceptable weak not acceptable
- Does thesis identify significant conceptual issue?
- How sufficient is the context (historical and/or conceptual) provided?
- To what extent are assumptions recognized/made explicit?
- To what extent does the analysis of evidence/information show:
- Thorough and clear exploration of concepts?
- Critical examination of differing perspectives?
- Analysis for historical or theoretical biases?
- Logical reasoning?
- Complex reasoning?
- Informed & accurate conclusions?
ORGANIZATION (medium priority)-----------------------------------------strong acceptable weak not acceptable
- How well does the overall organization accomplish the designated purpose?
- To what extent does the ordering of information/evidence lead the reader through the text?
(e.g. signposts, transitions, headings, bullets)
- How well do the parts connect with each other and the governing ideas?
LANGUAGE AND VOICE/TONE (lower priority) ---------------------------strong acceptable weak not acceptable
- Does "voice" show engagement, appropriateness to purpose & audience?
- How apt, vivid, vigorous, and varied is the language used?
- To what extent does the use of specialized terms/concepts demonstrate understanding?
CONVENTIONS / PRESENTATION (lower priority) -------------------------strong acceptable weak not acceptable
- To what extent does the text reveal evidence of:
- How accurately and completely is the information cited?
- Correct use a consistent style of documentation? (MLA or Chicago preferred)
- How effective is the format used (including diagrams)?