Critical Evaluations will be evaluated according to three primary traits: description, assessment, and engagement. Each of these traits will be evaluated on a scale of "0" (the work does not meet any of the requirements for the assignment) to "4" (the work meets and exceeds all the requirements for the assignment). The average of the three trait scores will be recorded as the evaluation score.

The Primary Traits Analysis Form must be stapled to the front of one copy of the evaluation. The other copy of the evaluation will be returned to the author of the original essay, and does not need a PTA form. In the Primary Traits Analysis scale below, the scale for each trait is cumulative. For example, a level 4 assessment assumes that the assessment meets the criteria for levels 1-3.

For an example of an excellent critical evaluation that was assessed a "4" for each trait, see the example in the syllabus section.

Primary Traits Analysis

Description
4.

The evaluation describes the thesis and the argument of the essay in depth, including the evidence and logic used to defend the thesis.
3.

The evaluation describes the content, style, thesis, and argument well.
2.

The evaluation describes the content and style of the essay well, but does not address the thesis or the argument significantly; or the evaluation describes the essay only partially.
1.

The evaluation describes the content and style of the essay, but focuses primarily on superficial issues or lacks a respectful, professional tone.
0.

The evaluation does not adequately reflect the content of the essay.

Assessment
4.

The assessments are constructive - they lead to a better essay or a better interpretation - and thorough in their scope.
3.

The evaluation assesses both the positive and negative features of the essay, and the assessments are significant, fair, and accurate.
2.

The evaluation assesses both the positive and negative features of the essay, but the assessments are incomplete or some of the assessments are superficial or inaccurate.
1.

The evaluation assesses only the positive or the negative features of the essay.
0.

The evaluation does not assess the essay according to the grading criteria for essays.

Engagement
4.

The evaluation gives alternative interpretations and defends them, and suggests further evidence which supports the thesis or evidence that challenges the thesis.
3.

The evaluation suggests further evidence which supports or challenges the thesis, though the implications of the evidence for the interpretation are not fully developed.
2.

The evaluation challenges existing interpretations, but does not offer alternative interpretations or the alternative interpretations are only partially developed or are superficial and not supported with evidence or reasoning.
1.

The evaluation attempts to dialogue with the essay, but does so superficially.
0.

The evaluation does not dialogue with the essay - with its thesis, its evidence, or its argument.

The average score of the Primary Traits Analysis corresponds to the score of a G.P.A. (or Q.P.A.). In other words, a 4.0 corresponds to an "A"; a 3.5 corresponds to a "B+"; a 3.0 corresponds to a "B"; etc.