STANDARDS OF EVALUATION

1. CENTRAL THESIS: Is there a clear, coherent, defensible thesis or policy? Are all important concepts defined, and are the definitions used consistently throughout the paper?

2. RESEARCH: Have you read widely enough to give a balanced view of the way your topic has been treated by other writers? Does your bibliography provide evidence that you have consulted the full range of sources available? Are the works you cite appropriate to your thesis and written at a level of sophistication appropriate for college-level work? Are your sources current enough to include recent significant developments in your topic?

3. ANALYSIS: Does the body of your paper support your thesis with substantial evidence and persuasive argumentation? Is your argument thorough and insightful? Do you go beyond mere description to offer a mature, balanced, and plausible analysis in support of your thesis or policy? Have you examined and refuted alternative explanations?

4. WRITING AND MECHANICS: Have you avoided errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage? Is your argument well organized, with good transitions between its major elements? Are your sources properly documented using an acceptable citation form? Have you included a title page and a bibliography of sources consulted?