Grading Scale for Composition/ Essays

(Adapted from the UCLA/CSUN Subject a Rating Scale)

Grade A
Applies to compositions/essays that are clearly superior in their develoment and expression of ideas. An "A" paper may not be flawlessly proportioned or even totally error-free, but it does all of the following
 

  • engages the topic thoughtfully and imaginatively, using well-chosen details
  • develops a thesis, using a logical structure
  • chooses appropriate vocabulary
  • uses sentences varied in structure and complexity
  • demonstrates mastery of standard Spanish grammar and usage appropriate to the level of the course
  • shows little interference from the student's native language
  • shows good knowledge of the historical/literary tradition of writer and text
  • shows good knowledge of literary analysis by deploying appropriate analytical tools
  • shows critical thinking
  • shows accurate interpretation supported by textual as well as non-textual facts

    • Grade B
    A "B" paper does most of the following well.

  • responds intelligently to the topic, using appropriate examples
  • is well focused and organized
  • provides orderly progression of ideas
  • chooses appropriate vocabulary
  • exemplifies the norms of standard Spanish appropriate to the level of the course
  • makes few gramatical errors and is easily comprehended by both native and non-native readers of Spanish
  • shows some knowledge of the historical/literary tradition of writer and text
  • shows some knowledge of literary analysis
  • shows some evidence of knowing how to use support textual and non-textual facts as basis for interpretation

    • Grade C
    A grade "C" applies to satisfactory papers. Although these papers presente adequate reasoning and examples, they lack the puposeful development and fluency characteristic of "B" papers. A "C" paper usually

  • responds reasonably, if unimaginatively, to the topic
  • shows some sense of organization
  • has just enough examples to make its points acceptably
  • chooses more generalized vocabulary without much variety or precision
  • uses simple sentence structure
  • makes some grammar error and distracting mistakes in usage
  • only makes reference to the historical/literary tradition of writer and text
  • only makes references to analytical tools without using them
  • uses incorrectly textual and non-textual evidence to support a point

    • Grade D
    Applies to unsatisfactory papers. This papers usually lack the coherence and development of C papers and exhibit significant deficiencies. In addition, they may

  • affer a simplistic and inappropriate response to topic
  • state a major idea clearly but develop it inadequately or illogically
  • lack a coherent sturcture or elaboration with examples
  • choose vocabulary that is too general or inappropriate
  • make many grammar errors that impide communication
  • does not make reference to the historical/literary tradition of writer and text
  • does not make reference or utilize formal analytical tool
  • does not support a point through textual o non-textual evidence

    • Grade F
    Applies to papers with serious weaknesses in many areas. An "F" paper shows severe difficulties in writing conventional Spanish. It

  • offers little substance and disregards the topic's demands
  • lacks focus, organization, or development
  • contains irrelevant detail or supporting ideas
  • misuses words and contains abundant grammatical errors

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