ASSESSMENT/Grades
- Qualities of Effective Writing
- Grading Policies
- What Grades Mean
- Calculating the Semester Grade /Values of Individual assignments
Qualities of Effective Writing
Accurate -- The writer has included pertinent and truthful facts information. Language, grammar, mechanics, and sentence structure are correct, adhering to the conventions of Standard English.
Clear-- The intended reader understands the meaning of each statement upon one reading. The writer has obviously thought about the subject and understands the relevant information/points. Ideas are expressed clearlyfor the intended audience and are obviously related to the purpose of the document. Content is presented in a logical organizational pattern which is obvious through use of paragraphs and headings. ((Situational Analysis, Language, Grammar, Sentence Structure).
Usable-- The information conveyed in text and graphics is "usable" to the reader. Based on one reading of the document, the intended reader is able to perform tasks or assimilate data for future projects. The document is formatted so that information is accessible for spot reading and/or for task performance.(Design/Headings/Graphics)
Concise---Writer has used as few words as possible to convey complete information/meaning. Writing does not contain redundancies or repetition of words, phrases, or ideas. The document contains only information relevant to the intended reader and purpose. The content is conveyed economically and tailored to the audience and purpose. (Situational Analysis, Language, Sentence Structure)
Respectful- The tone of the document conveys an attitude of respect toward the reader. Politeness and kindness undertone the words and structure. Connotative and denotative word meanings are obviously considered and used effectively for positive reader response.
Objective - The writer has detached from the subject matter; reason rather than emotion is emphasized; facts are given; opinion is provided only when appropriate and is supported with facts and reasoning. Highly interpretive language is either explained or (preferably) avoided.A Note about Grammar and Language: Fluency in English, basic grammar and sentence structure skills are expected and required since this is a college level, college credited , specialized writing course. Grammar, language and sentence structure problems will be noted and considered in assessment of all documents; students will be directed to resources they should use to remediate grammar/language -- this work is to be done by the individual, "out-of-class".
What Grades Mean
A (90-100): This document fulfills all the criteria of a high –quality, usable piece of writing. Specifically, the content is appropriate for the audience and purpose. In other words, the reader, upon one reading of the document, can readily a)understand the purpose of the document and b) perform tasks (concrete or abstract) for which the document was intended. No follow-up explanation is necessary. The reader is able to read the material once and understand the meaning of each thought – as written. The tone of the document expresses a respectful, considerate and positive (problem-solving) attitude of the writer. The document reflects conventional and usable formatting; it is designed and organized for easy accessibility of information, facilitating "spot reading" by primary and secondary readers. Grammar and language conventions are followed and sentence structure is correct and suitable for the audience’s reading level. Finally, the document is clear and concise, containing precise, economical language , and appropriate subordination and coordination of sentences/ideas that are easily assimilated by the intended audience.
B (80-89): This document fulfills the criteria of clarity and usability. The content is appropriate for the audience; the purpose of the document is readily apparent to the intended reader and the reader can perform intended tasks for which the document is intended. (All key information is included). No follow-up explanation is required. The document is usable as written, content is organized obviously and logically; conventional document formatting is employed. The tone reflects a respectful, helpful attitude of the writer. Grammar and language conventions are followed. The document may contain a mechanic error or two (capitalization, punctuation, spelling), but these errors do not impair reader understanding or require interpretation. Language is precise, but may not be concise in a few sentences.
C 70-79): This document is generally clear and usable, but requires the reader to reread one or two sentences for full understanding. Still, no follow-up explanation is necessary. The purpose of the document is clear to the reader, who will be able to perform necessary and intended tasks as a result of reading the document. The document contains the required information, but the reader may find it difficult to find specific information or to understand it upon one reading (due to nonadherence to logical organization and/or sequencing). The document may be wordy, requiring the reader to sift through extraneous verbiage. It also may contain contain some grammar and/or language errors, but very few hamper readability. The document may be wordy, and contain awkward sentence structure, in addition to a lack of concern for appropriate subordination and coordination. This document represents to the reader a lack of attention to detail by the writer or lack of thoughtful writing, editing and/or proofreading. This document reflects a respectful tone and does not "turn off" the reader with negativity or sarcasm.
D : This document is unclear and marginally usable by the intended reader. In a business environment, this document would not be acceptable. The reader would not be able to perform intended tasks without considerable interpretation and/or follow-up explanation. The lack of clarity and usability may be due to one, some, or all of the following: grammar/language errors; lack of organization; inappropriate or missing information; negative, disrespectful, or sarcastic tone; unconventional formatting; awkward sentence structure; repetition or redundancy.
F (0-59): This document is unclear and unusable by the intended reader, rendering the document unacceptable in a business environment. The reader would not be able to perform intended tasks without follow-up explanation by the author/writer. The lack of clarity and usability may be due to one, some, or all of the following: grammar/language errors; lack of organization; inappropriate or missing information; negative, disrespectful, or sarcastic tone; unconventional formatting.
Grading Policies ( refer to syllabus for other policies)
Calculating the Semester Grade/assignment values
- Unless otherwise instructed , assignments will be typed, using acceptable memo, letter, or report format.
- Assignments must be ready for collection at the beginning of the class period on the due date.
- Practice/nongraded assignments may not be turned in late for credit.
Graded assignments submitted late will be subject to a downgrade of one grade per day. Late assignments
should be submitted to the Humanities Division Office, Room 2430.If the instructor allows a rewrite of a graded assignment, the first and second grades will be averaged.(NOTE: rewrites are not automatically allowed).
Any document plagiarized (from another student, the internet, or any other publication) will be assigned a grade of "F" -- and be given no credit. (Refer to "Academic Integrity" in Syllabus)
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Assignments/Types
* Three end-of-module GRADED ASSIGNMENTS
* Three tests (modules 1, 2, 3) -
* Several (usually 10-15) Practice (nongraded) assignments
The purpose of these assignments is to give you practice and feedback on assignments similar to the "graded, end-of unit" assignments so you can improve the quality of your graded assignments. Therefore, submitting these on time is crucial so you can apply feedback to your graded assignments. For the purpose of calculating the semester grade, the percentage of these assignments you have completed will be averaged in as one of the semester grade components). Note: Practice assignments are not accepted or given credit after the due dates.
Semester Grade: Alpha grades are converted to numbers for the purpose of calculating the semester grade. The following conversion is used: A+ = 100; A = 95; A- = 91; B+ = 88; B = 85; B- = 80; C+ = 78; C = 75; C- = 70; D+ = 68; D = 65; D-= 60, F = 1-50 (number assigned by instructor). To determine the semester grade, these numbers are averaged and the corresponding letter grade assigned. In the case of rewrites , the average of the two grades for the project are calculated in the semester grade.
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The semester grade is an average of 7 components, including:
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The percentage of nongraded/feedback assignments completed (100 points)
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Module 1 Test (100 points)
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Module 2 Test (100 points)
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Module 3 Test (100 points)
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Module 1 Graded Assignment /Business Documents (100 points)
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Module 2 Graded Assignment/ Progress Report (100 points)
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Module 3 Graded Assignment/Formal Report/Group Project (100 points)
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Total 700 points: 630-700 = A; 560-629=B; 490-559=C; 420-489=D; below 420=F
*For hybrid and face-to -face classes, class attendance is mandatory. If you miss a nongraded assignment due to absence, it cannot be made up for credit.
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