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Grading Breakdown

Sample breakdowns for the final grade

English 126 requires three (3) formal essays that together must make up at least sixty percent (60%) of the final grade. The third and final of these essays must be a research paper. All formal papers in English 126 should be written under revision conditions: drafts should be submitted for feedback on content and organization by peers and the 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 (3) formal papers must be worth at least sixty percent (60%) of the final grade.
  • Percentages for each specific assignment should be listed clearly. For example: Paper #1: 15%.
  • The department-wide final examination should be 10% of the final grade.

Grading Breakdown Sample 1

The three formal papers will make up the bulk of your grade, as outlined below:

Assignment Percentage of final grade
Paper #1 (3-4 pages) 15%
Paper #2 (4-5 pages) 20%
Research Paper (5-6 pages) 30%
Final Exam 10%
In-Class and Homework Assignments 10%
Class Participation 10%
Peer-review critiques 5%

Grading Breakdown Sample 2

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

Assignment Percentage of final grade
Paper #1 (3-4 pages) 15%
Paper #2 (4-5 pages) 20%
Research Paper (5-6 pages) 25%
Final Exam 10%
Class Participation/In-class Assignments 15%
Discussion Board Responses 15%