If you lose points on a homework or writing assignment, and the grade you earned is due to not being "thoughtful or "thorough"--here is why (according to my students):

 

• you didn't write complete sentences
• there is a lack of developed thought--it's a fragmented idea
• you stated the obvious
• your language is simplistic
• it's clear that you wrote it too fast
• you assumed that your work wouldn't be checked, so you didn't write well
• missing key facts
• lack of details or close examples
• there are no direct examples (with page #s)/ citations
• the main idea of the question is ignored
• you assumed that someone else read the story and would "know" what you are talking about
• lacks development and clarity
• lacks details that reveal the character's feelings (if applicable)