Simple questions are those with objective answers, such as a vocabulary term or a multiple-choice test question. These questions are usually part of tests, but they may also be handed out as part of assignments because take-home assignments are common in elementary school classes. Simple objective questions are graded by reading each answer on the test or assignment and then comparing it to the answers on the answer key. It it matches, the student gets a point. If it does not match, the student does not get a point. The number of points are added up to give a section total.
Grading written content in 5th grade social studies classes is a subjective process. Fifth grade students cannot be held to conventional stylistic or academic standards because they are not at the level of literary proficiency where these standards apply, so the rubric used in grading their work is more simplistic. Written answers are evaluated based on language use and material understanding. They are then given a number of points out of a possible total; for example, 6 out of 10.
Some social studies assignments come with non-academic responsibilities that are factored into the grading process. For example, there may be a field trip component where the students have to participate in a trip to a history museum to get full credit for an assignment. Other non-written responsibilities that may be factored in include group participation on group projects and participation in class discussions. These points are typically either/or grades (full points or no points ) that are worth 5 to 10 percent of a project or total semester grade. In social studies classes, points may be deducted for assignments that are handed in late.
The final grade for a fifth grade social studies assignment is computed by adding up the points earned by the students in all areas of evaluation and then dividing the total number of points by the number of points earned. The percentage grade is then converted to a letter grade (for example, 98% = A+). Because fifth grade students are so young, and because parents are often interested in their young child's conduct, fifth grade students may receive conduct marks based on their behavior on social studies field trips, or their sensitivity when discussing controversial issues in social studies. These marks are separate from academic marks.