CHECK, CHECK-PLUS, OR CHECK-MINUS PROBLEMS:
Most problems are graded with this system, for which:

• "check-plus" = 3 pts (out of a possible 3 pts)
• A "check" = 2 pts
• A "check-minus" = 1 pt
• A "zero" = 0 pts

The criteria for each are as follows:
"check-plus":
At least 75 percent of the work must be right to earn a check-plus.
The final answer does not necessarily have to be right.

"check":
At least 50 percent of the work must be right to earn a check.
Two or more errors may result in a reduction from a check-plus.
A check signifies some work or reasoning but missing some crucial work.

"check-minus":
At least 25 percent of the work must be right to earn a check-minus.
This represents very little work.
A simple correct answer is NOT worth a check-minus.

"zero":
An answer without any work (or less than 25% of expected work)
receives no credit.

THE "FULL-DETAIL" PROBLEM:
One problem per homework assignment will be worth twice as much (6 pts) as the other problems and will be graded in full detail. This problem will be chosen at random by the grader. The maximum number of points for this problem (6 pts) can be attained by attending to all of the following areas (as applicable). (Notice the letter coding system that refers to each of these areas. This system will be used on future assignments as a short-hand for comments on ALL problems on your graded papers.)

P - Always state the problem exactly.
Never try to summarize the problem with too little information. Sometimes, if you leave out a crucial piece of data, I won't be able to grade the problem at all and you will receive a zero for this problem. If I can't figure out what the problem is by looking at your paper, you might lose one point on a "full-detail" problem. (Statement of the problem is ALWAYS worth one (easy) point on "full-detail" problems.)

F - Always show all formulas used in the solution of the problem.
Include the formulas in their original form as the first step to solving a problem. This means showing the formula used without any numbers from the problem plugged in. However, avoid simply writing down formulas not relevant to the problem and that are obviously not used. (Writing down formulas appropriately is usually worth one point on "full-detail" problems.)

W - Always show all work and all intermediate steps NEATLY. Do not skip steps. Be specific.
The work you show (or don't show) is often worth between 1 to 2 points on a "full-detail" problem.

E - Explain the details of your work and your reasoning if necessary.
This is always a good practice; it will help both your and my understanding of each problem's solution. This is especially essential for those of you with sloppy handwriting. Never assume that I know what you're thinking.

D - For some problems, it may be useful to include diagrams or drawings. Make sure to include one if necessary.
Also, make sure it is clear what everything is in the diagram. Label axes and all major components of a diagram or drawing. However, do NOT substitute a diagram for the statement of the problem!

N - Neatness counts. If your work is illegible, you may not receive any credit for a problem.
Don't try to cram solutions in a small space; don't be afraid to use extra paper. Write out your solution in an orderly fashion. Don't expect to get full credit for a bunch of numbers scribbled and scattered haphazardly across a page.

A - A final answer is never worth more than one point on a "full-detail" problem.
Always make it clear what your final answer is by putting it in an obvious box.

U - Even though writing an answer without proper units is totally wrong, units are only worth one point (at most) in a "full-detail" problem.
Don't limit yourself to only writing the units on the final answer; include units in ALL steps. Not doing so usually results in errors in calculating the final answer. Also, including units makes it easier to follow your work and you are less likely to lose points for insufficiently detailing your work.

S/D - Sign and/or direction are also crucial to an answer and intermediate steps.
Many times the answer is completely wrong without the correct sign, unit vector, or explicit statement of the direction. When applicable, sign/direction is often worth one point in a "full-detail" problem.

XC - Extra credit.
On some assignments, I may assign one extra (bonus) point to those who have paid attention to all these rules. This point is extra credit added to that assignment's other points. Since this point is simply a gift, your assignment's neatness is especially considered.