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.)