Holistic Scoring Guide
An “A” paper:
Includes an interesting, clever title clearly alluding to the crux of the paper’s argument.
Is structured with a clear, original thesis and strong topic sentences.
Engages the reader with an interesting, thought-provoking argument.
(Final paper only): Connects the two works in a meaningful, insightful way and demonstrates a solid
understanding of interdisciplinary analysis.
Contains original, well-supported analysis and commentary that goes beyond the obvious and pertains
specifically to the pieces in question.
Clearly relates each major point back to the thesis statement or principal concept.
Focuses on analysis rather than description when discussing the pieces in question.
Includes many specific, detailed references to and examples from the pieces in question.
Maintains a clear, consistent focus throughout the paper (no irrelevant material, vacillating emphases, or
repetitive segments).
Demonstrates a clear understanding of technical terms and effectively incorporates this
terminology into the paper where appropriate.
Is mechanically and grammatically sound.
Follows APA style guidelines.
Meets the length requirement (no large font, spaces, headings, or margins to take up space).
Includes correct citations and a Works Cited page if applicable.
A “B” paper:
Includes a predictable, straightforward title that may or may not allude to the crux of the paper’s argument.
Is structured with a clear thesis and topic sentences.
Somewhat engages the reader with a straightforward, fairly predictable argument.
(Final paper only): Connects the two works in a straightforward way and demonstrates a basic
understanding of interdisciplinary analysis.
Contains standard, supported analysis and commentary pertaining specifically to the pieces in question.
Relates some (but not all) major points back to the thesis statement or principal concept.
Includes mostly analysis, but also some description when discussing the pieces in question.
Includes some specific references to and examples from the piece in question.
May include a vacillating or inconsistent focus throughout the paper with occasional irrelevant material
or repetitive segments.
Demonstrates a basic understanding of technical terms and occasionally incorporates this terminology
into the paper.
May contain a few mechanical or grammatical errors.
Follows most APA style guidelines.
Generally meets the length requirement (no large font, spaces, headings, or margins to take up space).
Includes mostly correct citations and a Works Cited page if applicable.
A “C” paper:
Includes a predictable, but somewhat misleading or unclear title.
Lacks a well-focused thesis statement or clear topic sentences.
Lacks an interesting or engaging argument.
(Final paper only): Fails to effectively connect the two works in an insightful or meaningful way and
demonstrates limited understanding of interdisciplinary analysis.
Contains standard, often unsupported analysis that may or may not pertain specifically to the pieces in question.
Fails to relate most points back to the thesis statement (if there is one) or principal concept.
Includes primarily description rather than analysis.
Includes very few specific references to and examples from the pieces in question.
Fails to maintain a consistent or clear focus throughout the paper (includes irrelevant material, vacillating
emphases, and repetitive segments).
Demonstrates only a limited understanding of technical terms and generally fails to incorporate
appropriate terminology into the paper.
Contains many mechanical or grammatical errors.
Does not consistently follow APA style guidelines.
May or may not meet the length requirement.
Contains many incorrect (or missing) citations and may or may not include a Works Cited page.
A “D” paper:
Is missing a title or includes one that is misleading and unclear.
Lacks any thesis statement (though it may indicate a topic) or topic sentences.
Lacks an argument.
(Final paper only): Fails to connect the two works (treats them separately) and
demonstrates little (if any) understanding of interdisciplinary analysis.
Contains largely unsupported analysis that rarely pertains specifically to the pieces in
question.
Fails to relate points back to the principal concept.
Includes description rather than analysis.
Includes very few (if any) specific references to and examples from the pieces in
question.
Fails to maintain any perceptible focus throughout the paper (includes irrelevant material, vacillating
emphases, and repetitive segments).
Does not demonstrate an understanding of technical terms and fails to incorporate
appropriate terminology into the paper.
Contains many mechanical or grammatical errors.
Does not follow MLA style guidelines.
Generally does not meet the length requirement.
Contains very few (if any) citations and does not include a Works Cited page.