Grading
Some characteristics of:
An A paper
·
Demonstrates
not just an adequate, but a thorough knowledge of its subject.
·
Is
based on an unusually acute perception of the possibilities in its subject;
uses the most persuasive arguments and responds skillfully to the most
persuasive counter‑arguments.
·
Develops
its argument in a provocative or even an original manner.
·
Possesses
highly effective organization.
·
Is not
just accurate but felicitous in expression.
·
Has
effective sentence emphasis as well as effective rhetorical emphasis.
·
Has an
individual style or “voice.”
·
Carefully avoids jargon and clichés.
A B paper
·
Has an
effective organization, including a clearly stated thesis and appropriate
evidence to support it; the paper does not, for instance, merely follow the
chronological order of a text or rehash a series of lectures.
·
Has
rhetorical emphasis.
·
Uses
clear sentence structure and correct diction: sometimes, however, sentences may
lack variety or power, and sometimes word choice may be proper but dull.
·
Shows a command of the principles of grammar
and punctuation.
·
Makes an adequate
response to possible counter‑arguments.
C paper (Remember George Bush was a AC@ student! You could be president
some day...)
·
Does
NOT show a pattern of major grammatical mistakes (it often reveals, however, a
less than perfect understanding of grammar). Essays with major consistent
problems of expression should not be considered “C” work, regardless of their
content.
·
Has at
least a fundamental organization; its thesis is apparent, although it may not
be precisely state or fully supported.
·
Contains
no errors in logic that directly damage presentation or substantiation of its
thesis.
·
Often
shows a lack of economy: unnecessary words in a sentence, unnecessary sentences
in a paragraph.
·
Often
has a “voice” that sounds anonymous, lifeless, and/or unengaging.
·
Sentences may often be stilted and laborious.
A D Paper
·
Lacks
an organizing principle.
·
Does
not advance beyond the very obvious.
·
Is
frequently unclear.
·
Shows a pattern of major grammatical mistakes.
An F Paper
·
Fails
to address the assigned topic, or shows no commitment to facts or text.
·
Shows a fundamental ignorance of the structure of English sentences, or
disdains the basic principles of their construction.
·
Is so
poorly phrased that its argument can be understood only with difficulty.
·
Is plagiarized
(Note: any one of these four characteristics justifies an “F”, and plagiarism always does.)