Grading Comments

• Labels insufficient….units on x and y-axis? ...abbreviations not given? ...no figure number? …etc.

• Graphs do not contain enough information.

• Graphs contain too much information and thus hard to interpret.

• Report the data values in the text in order to “show” the reader. If the data is stated the reader can make her/his own judgment as to the validity of your claim. This includes test statistic if applicable.

• Cite/reference a Figure or Table number. This makes it easier for a reader to follow along and quickly obtain the information you have referenced in your text.

• Redundant Table or Figure.

• Hypothesis and prediction needs development. You must explain a clear “chain of causality” between your prediction and the rationale behind them. Ask yourself, “Why did I make that prediction?” and “What assumptions lead me to believe this particular prediction over all other possibilities?”

• Graph is unclear. Reader will have a hard time understanding what conclusions can be drawn from it.

• Report the observation made during the experiment that support your statements/claims/conclusions. Your argument is only as good as your empirical evidence.

• The report included a thorough summary of entire investigation, and good discussion of results in a larger context.
• The report was complete, cogent and original. Well done!

• A few units or terms were used inaccurately.

• Focus report on observation/data collected in your study or activity. Narrow report to what can be determined from data and save unsupported speculation for the conclusion if connection is well developed.

• Strict adherence to the chronology of the actual experiment is not necessary and in many cases confuses the main argument(s).

• Support all claims/assertions with justification from your data.

• Some graph labels and captions were unclear, incomplete, or missing.

• Data interpretation was not entirely accurate.

• Discussion/conclusion was incomplete or not thoroughly developed.

• Discussion did not address important pattern or trend in data.

• Lacked cohesion. Needed transitions, focus and/or conclusion tying it back to main point(s).

• Latin names in italics: 1st Vinca minor then V. minor