Descriptions of Grades

A. The essay is much above average in quality. It distinguishes itself either through the quality of the writing or the quality of the thinking or both. The thesis statement is well-written and specific. The writer's purpose is clear. Ideas are original, well-developed and clearly supported. Overall organization is effective. The flow of ideas is smooth, logical and easy for the reader to follow. The diction is precise and appropriate. Any mechanical errors are minor and do not distract the reader. Sentences show careful construction. The tone is consistent and appropriate for a college essay. The writer shows sensitivity to audience and some sophistication in handling the topic. An "A" essay is excellent work that a student should be proud of.

B. The essay is above average in quality. It is well-planned and shows strength in several areas. The writer's purpose comes across to the reader clearly and the thesis statement is specific though not always as well-written as that of an "A" essay. Overall organization is effective. The essay is relatively free of major mechanical errors, and those errors that exist do not interfere with meaning. The essay is logical, but may not present ideas as smoothly and coherently as an "A" essay. Diction and sentence structure are clear, but not always consistent and precise. An essay that has mostly "A" qualities but one or two major weaknesses (in mechanics or coherence, for example) may earn a "B." Typical "B" essays, however, will show the same qualities as an "A" essay but to a lesser degree. For example, the ideas may be slightly less original or somewhat less well supported. A "B" essay is good work that a student should be proud of.

C. The essay is average in quality. Typically, it fulfills the assignment adequately but does not distinguish itself in any way. The thesis statement is clear, but not always specific or original. The essay shows a sense of organization and development. The writer's purpose comes across to the reader. There may be weaknesses in development and coherence. Diction is not always precise, though key terms are always used correctly. There may be as many as three major mechanical errors. Sentence structure may be occasionally confusing and/or lacking in proper emphasis and/or choppy. A "C" paper may also be an essay with most of the qualities of a "B" (or "A") essay marred by weakness in one or two areas (such as mechanics, diction, sentence structure, coherence). A "C" essay is satisfactory work--nothing to be ashamed of.

D. The essay is below average in quality. The writer's purpose may be unclear and/or inadequately developed. Poor organization is often a major problem. Serious mechanical errors (more than three sentence fragments or errors of agreement, for example), may push down a "C" essay to the "D" category. However, most "D" essays also show problems with clarity and coherence of sentence structure and lack of proper development or support. A "D" essay is disappointing both to the writer and to the reader.

F. The essay is far below average in quality. The purpose is unclear and/or lacking in any real development. There are serious problems with organization. The essay may be incoherent in parts. Multiple, major mechanical errors, plagiarism and/or failure to write on the assigned topic may also lead to an "F." An "F" paper is unacceptable.