Centre for Nursing and Health Studies

Evaluation of your paper or assignment is based on your ability to clearly articulate the issue/s you are writing about; defend and support the arguments you offer; present your writing in a clear and concise manner; and clearly articulate your thesis statement. You could also be judged on your conclusion. While we may not agree with your conclusion, we will have no trouble agreeing about whether you do a good job arguing for your conclusion.

If you have not written a University paper in some time, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with APA  5th edition and the tutorial on Formatting Microsoft Word in APA Style.

Evaluation Criteria

Marking Criteria

You'll be graded on two basic criteria:

1. Content [70%]

• Each element of assignment guideline is addressed
• Analysis, synthesis, and critical thinking skills are demonstrated
• Discussion is logical in presentation of ideas; evidences clear, organized, and concise writing style

2. Scholarly Presentation [30%]

• Follows APA (6th edition) scholarly format
• Paper or project is free of typographical, grammatical, and spelling errors
• Paper or project adheres to page limit

More specifically, we'll be asking questions like these:

• Do you clearly state what you're trying to accomplish in your paper?
• Is it obvious to the reader what your main thesis is?
• Do You offer supporting arguments for the claims you make?
• Is it obvious to the reader what these arguments are?
• Is the structure of your paper clear? For instance, is it clear what parts of your paper are expository, and what parts are your own positive contribution?
• Is your prose simple, easy to read, and easy to understand?
• Do you illustrate your claims with good examples?
  
• Do you explain your central notions?
• Do you say exactly what you mean?
• Do you present other authors' views accurately and charitably?

Failure to address the above key elements in each assignment may result in the following comments in your paper:

• "Explain this claim" or "What do you mean by this?" or "I don't understand what you're saying here"
• "This passage is unclear (or awkward, or otherwise hard to read)" "Too complicated" "Too hard to follow" "Simplify"
• "Why do you think this?" "This needs more support" "Why should we believe this?"
• "Explain why this is a reason to believe X"
  
• "Explain why this follows from what you said before"
• "Not really relevant"
• "Give an example?"

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is defined as the ability to assess the authenticity or accuracy of information claims or arguments. Living in an information rich environment requires that you recognize the dynamic and fluid nature of information and that you posses the skills necessary to successfully meet your information needs within this setting. In order to think critically, one must be information literate. Essentially, critical thinkers demonstrate that they can:

• challenge information and demand accountability
• adapt to new sources of information and continue to require credibility
• avoid abrupt conclusions -- reserve judgment until they have more information
  
• evaluate and re-evaluate sources on a regular basis

These skills are not inherent; rather, they are developed and require a conscious effort on the part of the information seeker. If you apply the skills outlined, you will be well on your way to becoming a savvy user and consumer of information.

Grammar, Writing Style, and Editing

Spelling, punctuation, grammar, as well as the overall appearance and readability of the page, will also significantly influence your grade. Every written product or presentation you turn out, now and in the future, will be judged on both its content and appearance. As such it will reflect directly on you as a professional and will influence the effectiveness of your presentation. Do not submit any product that you would not be willing to give a client or your manager. Prepare your portfolio carefully and turn in a quality product.