Themes and papers in Dr. Lorrah's classes are graded according to your success in performing seven aspects of writing: idea, thesis, content, organization, mechanics, clarity, and originality. Most papers are worth 100 points; in that case the percentage given for each aspect is also the number of points you earn if you accomplish that aspect perfectly. Writing is hard work, and you will be better in some areas than in others. This method of grading allows you to see which areas you have mastered, and which you must continue to work on.
Idea (10%). The topic of your paper should be appropriate to the assignment. It should not be forced to fit where it does not belong. Most students discover that with a little thought they can find topics they really enjoy writing about. Taking the same topic the instructor used as an extended example can earn you no more than 5%.
Thesis (10%). The thesis is a statement of the point you are making in your paper. It provides information; "raising orchids" is a topic, not a thesis. "Orchids can be raised successfully in Kentucky" is a thesis; the paper would explain how. "Raising orchids is a wonderful way to learn patience, create beauty, and earn money" is a thesis; the paper would explain in
detail. Every successful paper has a clear thesis. How much you earn here depends on how clear you make your thesis in your introduction and how well the body of the paper demonstrates that thesis.
Content (20%). Your paper should completely cover your topic, yet not be stretched with padding. At the outline stage, think through all the aspects of your topic implied by the thesis you have chosen. If your outline is half as long as the paper assignment, narrow it down with a different thesis, probably covering just one section of your outline. Writing to the assigned length is part of content; a paper more than 10% over or under the requirement loses points. By the end of your
paper, what was promised in your thesis should be accomplished. You must not omit some important fact or explanation because you ran out of space. On the other hand, your paper should not have too little content, so that you either repeat yourself or go off on tangents. Learn to use examples, facts, and logic instead of padding.
Organization (20%). The reader should be able to tell from your introduction how your paper is organized. Is this a comparison? A process? An analysis? A persuasion? A definition? An informative paper organized around a key word? Obviously, you must know which kind of paper you are writing, and the organization should be reflected in your introduction
and thesis. The reader should find it easy to follow your train of thought through the paper, and the conclusion, if required, must follow logically from what has gone before. Smooth transitions are a part of organization. If your instructor has given you exact instructions for organizing a specific paper, be sure you follow them.
Mechanics (20%). Mechanical errors of every kind detract from a paper. Your goal is to have none. The more errors, the fewer points you earn for mechanics.
Clarity (10%). Good expository writing should be clear and easy to read. The reader should not have to untangle long, awkward sentences, nor be distracted by short, choppy ones. Be sure you understand what you intend to say. Put your ideas in a logical order; even though you thought of something to add after you finished drafting, go back and put it where that idea belongs; do not tack it on at the end. Focus on your ideas, and do not put obstacles between them and the reader's comprehension. Your purpose is to communicate.
Originality (10%). Originality is the hardest aspect of writing to define. It is the spark that sets your paper apart from the others, makes it interesting to read instead of a chore. It may stem from an unusual topic, or from a fresh slant on the same topic half the class has chosen. It may lie in lively examples, intriguing facts, or succinct methods of expression. The one way you will not earn anything from originality (and will lose points on other aspects at the same time) is to write a paper that does not fulfill the assignment.
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