Evaluation of Written Assignment: "The History of English"

Criteria for Evaluation

1. Grammar and Syntax: Assess the overall grammatical structure and syntax.
2. Factual Correctness: Verify historical dates and events mentioned.
3. Writing Style: Evaluate clarity, coherence, academic tone, and vocabulary usage.
4. Plagiarism: Check for originality and proper citations where necessary.
5. Correspondence to the Topic: Ensure relevance to the subject of the English language's history.
6. Mathematical Calculations: Check numerical data for correctness.
7. Definitions and Terms: Ensure accurate definitions of terms used.

Evaluation

1. Grammar and Syntax

• Mistakes: Several grammatical errors, such as incorrect use of articles, verb forms, and sentence structures (e.g., "what's" should be "that is"; "the Anglo-Saxon" should be "the Anglo-Saxons").
• Improvements: Avoid using informal contractions; provide complete sentence structures.

2. Factual Correctness

• Dates:
  • The Anglo-Saxon period is generally accepted as 450-1150 AD, which is correct.
  • The mention of the King James Bible is incorrectly dated as published in 1661; it was published in 1611.
• Corrections: Ensure timelines are accurately verified against reputable historical sources.

3. Writing Style

• Level: The tone fluctuates between informal and formal. Appropriate for academic writing, a more formal tone is recommended.
• Clarity: Some sentences are convoluted and may lead to confusion. For example, "brought interesting the classical knowledge" is unclear.
• Improvements: Use simpler sentences to enhance clarity.

4. Plagiarism

• Check: There are no direct quotes or citations. If claims are made regarding specific influences, they should be properly cited.
• Recommendations: Incorporate citations for historical facts from authoritative sources.

5. Correspondence to the Topic

• Relevance: The content remains focused on the history of the English language, though it occasionally diverges into broader topics of influence (e.g., the Renaissance).
• Improvements: Ensure that all content directly relates back to the English language's development.

6. Mathematical Calculations

• Numerical Presentation: "1,5 billion" should be formatted as "1.5 billion" in UK English.
• Correction: Ensure consistent formatting of numerical data throughout the essay.

7. Definitions and Terms

• Word Choice: Some terms ("lingua franca") and concepts are introduced without adequate definition or context.
• Improvements: Define technical terms for clarity, especially for the intended adult audience.

Overall Mark

Grade: C+

The assignment contains valuable information but requires substantial revision to align with academic expectations.

Tips for Improvement

1. Proofreading: Always proofread your work to catch grammatical errors and ensure clarity.
2. Formal Style: Use a more formal tone throughout the assignment to meet academic standards.
3. Fact-Checking: Verify all historical facts, particularly dates and events, through reliable sources.
4. Citations: Include citations for facts that are not common knowledge or that require references.
5. Definitions: Provide definitions for specialized terms to aid understanding for all readers.
6. Structure: Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea and flows logically to the next.
7. Clarity and Simplicity: Strive for straightforward sentences and avoid over-complex phrases.
8. Consistent Number Formatting: Use standard numerical formatting (e.g., "1.5" instead of "1,5") throughout the text.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance both the quality of your writing and your overall understanding of the topic. Good luck with your future assignments!