Evaluating Answers
In most cases you will evaluate three aspects of the answer to each question. In each case you will give a score of 5, 3, or 0.
Was the questions answered? In other words, regardless of whether the answer is correct, does the writer deal with the question that was actually asked? In the case of simple questions, you will probably say yes and award a ‘5.’ In response to a more in-depth or complicated question, the writer may answer only part of the question, neglecting others. In that case you would award a ‘3’ or a ‘0.’
5 All aspects of the question are answered explicitly and thoroughly.
3 A minor aspect of the question is not addressed or is addressed too subtly.
0 The question is addressed incompletely or not at all.
Is the answer correct?
5 Answer is thorough and correct. The writer clearly understood the question and the text being read.
3 The answer is mostly correct. A minor detail was omitted or misunderstood.
0 The answer omits important details or fails to show that the writer understood the text.
Is the answer well-supported? This question will apply when the homework asks you to evaluate a text or to make your own historical claim. When you assert an opinion or judgment, you will have to back it up with evidence from what you have read or observed.
5 All claims made are well-supported with appropriate evidence or observations.
3 The claims are supported, but with minor omissions.
0 All or most of the writer’s claims are assertions with insufficient evidence to support them.
Checking for Correctness of Style
Be especially alert for deviations from the following:
· correct spelling,
· proper commas,
· proper apostrophes,
· complete, straightforward sentences (no sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and so on),
· noun/pronoun/verb agreement,
· consistent verb tenses.