Grammar 101 - Why I Use a Curve in Grading Writing Assignments

Grammar 101 - Why I Use a Curve in Grading Writing AssignmentsOne of the things that my father always insisted upon when it came to writing assignments was that he wanted them to be graded on a curve. He told me that he didn't want to grade on an arbitrary grading scale that I would know by heart by the end of the assignment. He was adamant about it.Although it would make it much easier for me, I've got to admit that I was a little taken aback when I first started taking his advice and began doing school work that way. But it soon became evident that I really had no choice in the matter, especially if I wanted to complete all the assignments that were assigned to me for the semester.When I'm grading these times assignments that are in class, I do not have any option but to grade on a curve. I can't assume that the student knows the material or can be trusted to write correctly on their own. It's no secret that students who plagiarize are going to have trouble at school and that's not something that I want my grade to reflect.I must also consider that these grades are for your own benefit and that makes it very important for me to write them correctly. I don't care how great the assignment is, if you take it and misrepresent it, your grade will be much lower than what it should be. It's a two edged sword, but I suppose I must learn to live with it.I use the curve strategy to grade on, and I encourage other instructors to use it as well. You can find out more about it in my article titled 'Grading Curves' and in my book, 'Great Grades Always Gives Great Grades.'Writing assignments are not the only form of assignments that have to be graded on a curve. Students also need to write all of their projects on time and in compliance with the outline provided by the instructor. In fact, I've even been known to grade students for making minor mistakes on their own writing projects.Writers also often get homework assignments and essays that are required to be written accor ding to a strict timetable. In fact, for all of the writing assignments that I assign, I make it a point to check in with each student to let them know exactly when they are expected to be done with their assignment.Even when the assignment is due a week later, I still make sure that I check in on each student every so often. Once they are done, it's no use saying that they weren't finished. I make sure that they know that I value their time and that it's appreciated.