Does the writing reflect competence in standard English grammar as evidenced by writing that is reasonably free from:


Reasons

4.0
Writing includes strong and logical reasons which fully support the main idea(s).
3.0
Writing includes logical reasons which fully support the main idea(s). Not all of them are strong, but they are relevant.
2.0
Writing includes reasons, but they are weak and don't support the main idea(s).
1.0
Reasons are weak and illogical or there are no reasons included in writing. Lack of support.
0.0
No evidence.

Reasons
Core Skills Writing Rubric

Explanation

Although students who file grade complaints against professors usually have lots of reasons to justify the higher score, too often their reasons are not logical.

  • I worked hard.

      Problem with Reason: Working hard is not the same as doing quality work. I could work very hard to till the soil in my garden by using a lot of mulch to hold in the moisture. But all of my hard work will not yield a good crop of asparagus because asparagus requires sandier soil.

  • I did my best work.

      Problem with Reason: Doing your best work does not mean you mastered the material. One of the professors who worked on this module did his best work in graduate school and failed French two times. (He dropped the class the third time he took it.)

  • I turned in all of the assignments.

      Problem with Reason: Turning in the assignments does not mean that they were done correctly. I am aware of a student in an online course who argued that she participated in an online discussion. While it is true that she did participate, the 8% score she received did not merit a passing grade.

  • I paid good money for this class.

      Problem with Reason: Paying for a class does not guarantee you a good grade.

Can you think of any logical reasons that might get a member of the faculty to raise your grade?

Useful Internet Sites



Return to Tutorials Index



Return to Core Skills Rubric



Return to Details and Examples



Go to Correct Citations


Standards of
Core Skills Writing Rubric

  1. Standard English
  2. Spelling, Punctuation, Word Choice Errors
  3. Run-on Sentences
  4. Fragments
  5. Agreement Errors
  6. Facts and Data
  7. Details and Examples
  8. Reasons
  9. Correct Citations
  10. Engaging Introduction
  11. Unified Body Paragraphs
  12. Purposeful Conclusion


Download a printer friendly version of the Core Skills Writing Rubric.