Grading the Writing of Your Students

Grading the writing of students is a difficult task. It is hoped that the following material will make the job easier. General keys to effective grading are discussed first. For those teachers who determine grades on the basis of point totals, the next section contains a breakdown of the major areas of a paper with possible values for each area. A skills chart follows that. Most teachers complete the chart after each assignment and record only major strengths and weaknesses. Skill charts provide an excellent record of progress over the course of a year.

Keys to Effective Grading

• Grading should help rather than hinder.
• Evaluation should not be merely a form of criticism.
• Grades cannot take the place of written suggestions or conferences.
• Evaluation should reflect what has been taught. Grading should be based on the whole piece.
• Grading should be consistent from student to student.
• Students should know ahead of time how grades will be determined. Report-card grades should be based on an average of a student's best three or four papers. This takes into account that all writers vary in the quality of their work. (You may allow students to select what they consider to be their three or four best papers of the marking period.)

Grading Writing: Point Totals

Some teachers prefer, or are required, to use percentages for grading. Following is a suggestion for how to assign point totals to different parts of a writing activity.

• Focus: The topic is clearly defined. (10 pts.)
• Content: The student uses fresh, insightful, or original ideas; the ideas are developed and relate to the topic. (25 pts.)
• Organization: The piece progresses logically from beginning to end. It possesses an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion. Main ideas are supported with details. (25 pts.)
• Mechanics: Correct punctuation, grammar, usage, spelling, and paragraphing are used. (20 pts.)
• Imagery: Precise, colorful words that paint vivid pictures in the mind of the reader are used. (10 pts.)
• Style: The overall writing is clear and has a distinct sense of individuality. (10 pts.)