Grading Criteria for  Paper

Possible

Title, Name Abstract.

10

Title needs to be descriptive, include species name

2

Abstract needs to summarize intro, methods, results, discussion (2 pts each)

8

Introduction

18

Provides a rationale for performing the experiment/investigation

5

Relevant background information included with citations from the literature

8

General to specific flow of ideas

5

Materials and Methods

8

Clear description of materials and methods used

4

Appropriate level of detail

2

Mentions specific data analysis and program used 

2

Results

6

Analysis and calculations (correct type of analysis, correctly performed, correctly interpreted)

3

Data presentation: all pertinent results presented, no unnecessary data presented

3

Discussion

17

Discusses results and provides possible reasons for results

5

Does not introduce new results

3

Flows from specific to general

4

Puts results in context of literature, returns to at least some of the papers used in the intro.

5

Acknowledgements

3

Need to be original

3

Literature cited

18

All references cited in the text

5

Appropriate and consistent format

5

Appropriate number and type of references

8

General issues

30

Organization (within sections)

10

Accuracy of factual statements

10

Appropriate information within sections

10

Grammar and Spelling 

18

Spelling

2

Punctuation

4

Sentence construction

5

Paragraph construction

5

Formal English, no contractions or colloqualisms

2

Legibility and neatness

3

Pages numbered

1

overall appearance, neatness (good quality dot matrix printer or on laser printer, no ink smears)

2

Figures and Tables

24

At least one figure showing results

6

At least one table describing the results (d. stats and/or stats analysis)

4

Appropriate (and correctly formatted and positioned) figure legends and table captions

4

No unnecessary figures or tables, especially no raw data

2

Appropriate units or numbers of significant digits expressed in tables and figures

2

Axes labeled appropriately on data-derived figures, no gray backgrounds or gridlines

4

appropriate figure keys (data-derived figures)

2

Total points

155

Bonus: made changes suggested in earlier draft of intro, results, & discussion

10

Total possible points

165