The letter grades on the reports correspond to the following evaluation
of the work.
| |
On holistic scale |
Thoroughness |
Support |
Accuracy |
Writing level |
| A level work |
Excellent |
Nothing missing: all questions answered, all
support materials included, references to support materials
easy to follow, Interpretation of results shows real insight
into the experiment. |
All materials excellently prepared. Graphs and
data tables well labeled and easy to understand. Illustrations
included if appropriate for clear explanation. (Note that
does not mean that an A paper must have illustrations, only
that a well done and well placed illustration may contribute
to an excellent presentation.) |
Content addressed accurately, using and covering
appropriate scientific concepts. No or only a few minor errors.
Excellent writing skills. Focused, clear, well organized,
easy to read. Mix of complex and simple sentences, with each
sentence constructed correctly. Ideas clearly expressed. Appropriate
use and level of scientific language. |
At the lower end of A, there may be a few mechanical
writing errors (e.g., matching tense, spelling) but these
should be few. |
| High B level work |
Good Nothing missing. |
Interpretation of results shows
some insight into the experiment. |
All materials very well prepared,
including well-labeled graphs and data tables. Missing illustrative
figures that would have contributed to a better paper. |
Generally accurate in all major
concepts, however there are a few more minor errors than expected
for an A paper. |
Good writing skills, but a few mechanical
errors and could use better organization, variety and clarity. |
| Low B level work |
Adequate |
Did exactly what was asked for,
answered all questions, however report is missing insight
of a better report. |
All materials adequately prepared,
including well-labeled graphs and data tables. Missing illustrative
figures that would have contributed to a better paper. |
Generally accurate in all major
concepts, however there are a few more minor errors than expected
for a higher B paper. |
Adequate writing skills. |
| C level work |
Marginally adequate |
Did exactly what was asked for.
However, there are minor errors in interpretation that indicate
some lack of understanding. |
Included all graphs/data required,
but there are minor errors in some. |
No major errors but an additive
amount of minor errors that indicate either misunderstanding
or haphazard preparation of the report. |
Level of writing somewhat below
what would be expected of a college student. Student could
benefit from a visit to a writing lab. |
| D level work |
Poor |
Missing some major element of an adequate report. |
There are missing graphs or data and/or there
are some significant errors in graphing or data presentation |
There is a major error in interpretation of
the entire experiment. In addition, there are minor errors
in interpretation that indicate some lack of understanding. |
The level of writing is definitely below what
would be expected of a college student. Student should seriously
consider focusing on writing skills improvement. |
Phillips, Jane. Biology 1002. College of Biological
Sciences, University of Minnesota. December 2002.
