Tags: wikipedia, essays, bingo, pedantry
Date: 15 December 2007 22:19:44
I've been thinking that maybe essay marking will be a bit less painful if I can make a bit of a game out of it. So I have initiated a bit of a points system (in the sure and certain knowledge that points mean prizes) in order to make those inevitable howlers just that bit more bearable.
misplaced apostrophe - 1 point.
incorrect use of semicolon - 1 point.
random incorrect capitalisation in the middle of a sentence - 2 points.
single paragraph containing more than one unconnected idea - 5 points.
comedy typo - 5 points.
historical inaccuracy that makes me laugh - 10 points.
historical inaccuracy that makes me cry - 20 points.
foreign word or phrase that isn't translated or defined - 20 points.
inappropriately conversational writing style - 25 points.
reference to wikipedia - 10 points for each appearance.
reference to other non-academic internet source - 5 points.
bibliography with fewer than 6 academic sources - 20 points.
excessive reliance on lecture notes - 10 points.
one reference or fewer per page - 20 points.
over or under word limit - 1 point for every 10 words over or under.
single essay with all of the above horrors - 1000 points and a day off.
I have also instigated a system of rewards, as follows:
every time I reach 100 points I have a tea break.
every time I reach 200 points I have a 20 minute internet break.
every time I reach 500 points I have an hour break.
every time I reach 1000 points I have a stiff drink.
The system of rewards may be subject to tweaking - for example if they all got the message about wikipedia (and goodness knows they should, I've told them enough times I don't want to see it) and have referenced perfectly, but just happen to be rubbish at apostrophes, then it might take too long to build up to 100 points. On the other hand, if previous years are anything to go by I may have to add an extra 0 to the points values before I have my rewards!
And now over to you - I'm sure there must be other stuff I've forgotten that deserve points (and prizes!).