UWT/TCSS 598 Writing hints

Levels of Good Writing

Excellent

• No overwhelming problems with grammar
• Concise topic sentences which are clearly linked to the thesis/assertion
• Thesis/main point is well-developed in a full paragraph
• Fully responds to the assignment in content and format
• Evidence is explained/claims are supported with illustrative examples
• Evidence/assertions are fully and clearly developed

Very Good

• Only minor problems with grammar
• Topic sentences adequately structure paragraphs
• Thesis is clear, but perhaps, undeveloped in the first paragraph
• Fully responds to the assignment in content and format
• Evidence is adequately explained/developed

Good

• Minor problems with grammatical structures
• A few sentences are hard to follow/understand
• Thesis is clear but may need more development
• Mostly fulfills the assignment
• Some evidence to support claim

Average:

• A fair number of problems with grammatical structures throughout the paper
• Some problems with word choice
• Thesis is clear, but not developed/maintained throughout the paper
• Addresses the assignment, but doesn't fulfill it altogether
• Some paragraphs are missing topic sentences
• Paper needs some work on structure/organization

Below Average:

• Recurring problems with grammar
• Undeveloped/unclear thesis/ main point
• Lack of evidence/support for assertions
• Does not address the assignment
• Lack of division between ideas (more than one idea per paragraph)

Poor:

• Doesn't address the assignment
• Many grammatical problems
• Unclear thesis (or lack of a thesis)
• No clear division of ideas
• Evidence not developed

Failing:

• Incomprehensible thesis
• Fails to fulfill assignment
• Lacks thesis/main point
• Many grammatical problems
• Evidence for claims is lacking

Frequent Writing Errors

• Write your name on the paper!
• Too short -- make sure you are writing the required number of words.
• Provide full references
• Indicate which question you are answering
• Is your position focused?
• Is your position supported?
• Don't bury the lead! The first sentence and first paragraph should tell me what the rest of the paper is about.
• Is the progression of ideas organized well within each paragraph? Within the entire document?
• Construction and punctuation
• Antecedent unknown
• PASSIVE VOICE IS A NO NO!
• Word choice
• Simplify your sentence structure: OMIT NEEDLESS WORDS!

Sample writing

1. Sample 1 ; comments
2. Sample 2 ; comments
3. Sample 3 ; comments