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Faculty Resources

Grading Breakdown

Sample breakdowns for the final course grade

Basis of Final Grade

WRIT 301/302/303/304 sections require four formal writing assignments: three (3) formal papers as well as an annotated bibliography/research proposal assignment.

All formal papers in WRIT 301/302/303/304 should be written under revision conditions: drafts should be submitted for feedback on content and organization by peers and instructor.

Aim for transparency in outlining your grading breakdown on the syllabus. Please follow these guidelines in determining how to weight the assignments:

  • The three formal papers, together, must be worth at least sixty percent (60%) of the final grade.
  • Provide the breakdown of specific assignments by percentages.  For example: Paper #1:  10%.
  • The annotated bibliography/research proposal assignment should also contribute to the final grade. Some instructors choose to have two separate assignments: an annotated bibliography and a research proposal. The choice to combine or separate them is up to you. 
  • The final examination should be 5-10% of the final grade.

Grading Breakdown Sample A

Final grades ranging from A to F will be based upon completion of all course requirements (writing and reading assignments, class participation, and final examination). The three formal papers will make up the majority of your grade, as outlined below: 

Grades

Percentage

Participation: Reading Responses and Discussion

10%

Paper #1 (analyzing two texts, 3-4 pages)

10%

Paper #2 (synthesizing three texts, 4-5 pages)

15%

Paper #3 (original research paper, 8-10 pages)

40%

Annotated Bibliography and Research Proposal

15%

Final Examination

10%

Grading Breakdown Sample B

Final grades ranging from A to F will be based upon completion of all course requirements (writing and reading assignments, class participation, and final examination). The three formal papers will make up the majority of your grade, as outlined below: 

Grades

Percentage

Paper #1 (analyzing two texts, 3-4 pages)

10%

Paper #2 (synthesizing three texts, 4-5 pages)

15%

Paper #3 (original research paper, 8-10 pages)

40%

Annotated Bibliography

10%

Research Proposal

10%

Final Examination

5%

Peer Review and Discussion Board

10%