Composition Program

Grading Workshop

Monday, January 7, 2008

#10302, Department of English, Wayne State University

Evaluating and Grading 1010 Papers

Small Group Discussion Questions

Here is the current paragraph from the ENG 1010 Common Syllabus on evaluating writing and grading papers in ENG 1010 (slightly edited):

Final drafts of assignments are awarded S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory).  An S grade indicates that the assignment is evaluated as on target for ENG 1020; a U grade indicates that the assignment needs revision or rewriting to achieve an S level. […] Grades should reflect the quality of writing not the amount of effort expended.  The final grade of S affirms that the student has achieved the learning objectives of the course and is ready to begin ENG 1020.  The final grade of U indicates that the student has not achieved the learning objectives of the course and needs to repeat it.

Please discuss some of the 1010 papers in response to these questions:

• given the assignment and its place in the class sequence (i.e., assignment #2 vs. assignment #3 or 4), does this paper reflect writing that is “on target” for ENG 1020?  how or how not?

• should this paper receive a grade of S or U?  what are the considerations involved?

• consider either paper #3 or #4 as a final 1010 paper:  should this student receive a grade of S for the course or should s/he receive a U and repeat the course?  what are the considerations involved?