Guidelines for Advanced Writing Proficiency in Mathematics

Knowledge of the mathematics

Does the student show insight into the material?
Is the information provided by the student accurate?
Is the information provided by the student complete, providing adequate details, and examples or illustrations if appropriate?
Does the student present ideas, propositions, and arguments that are significant to the course content and the assignment?

Originality

Does the student, if required by the assignment, show independent thought about the mathematical topic?
Does the student, if required by the assignment, effectively and originally fulfill the expectations of an audience identified as other than the teacher?

Organization

Does the student present the mathematical information and ideas in an orderly, logical manner?
Does the student have effective transitions between mathematical ideas and paragraphs?
If appropriate, does the student have an effective introduction and conclusion to the mathematical topics?

Vocabulary

Does the student show the ability to use mathematical vocabulary appropriate to the course subject matter and the assignment?
Does the student use common mathematical words clearly and correctly?
Does the student, where appropriate, show imagination and variety in word choice?
Does the student use sufficient non-technical language to make her meaning clear to the reader?

Mechanics

Does the student conform to manuscript conventions of the mathematical discipline with respect to notation, choice of variables, and references?
Does the student conform to the specific instructions and requirements of the assignment?
Does the student conform to the rules in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation?
Are sentences used correctly and clearly?
Has the student shown attention to editing and proofreading?

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Maintained by cpeltier@saintmarys.edu

Last update 10/24/05