ESSAY GRADING CRITERIA
All essays must
• introduce a subject
• state a main idea about the subject (have a thesis)
• support the main idea with details, facts, statistics, examples, reasoning, comparisons, descriptions, quotations, anecdotes, observations, analysis, consideration of opposition,
countering of opposition, concession, etc.
• provide accurate documentation of all outside references by using the MLA format
An A essay will
• examine a subject that is demanding and worth investigating
• approach the subject analytically, employing critical thinking strategies
• exhibit rigorous, original thinking about the subject
• display "wit, wisdom, subtlety, and invention"
• use language vividly and powerfully
• make insightful connections to the assigned readings and class discussions
• provide ample, provocative, and convincing support for the main idea
• organize the support in focused paragraphs containing topic sentences
• provide clear, graceful transitions between ideas
A B essay may
• have many but not all of the qualities of an A essay
• rely too heavily on too few sources
• need more supporting material
• need further development of some of the supporting points
• need more convincing supporting points
• have occasionally awkward sentence structure
• need clearer transitions
• need a fuller introduction or more satisfying conclusion
A C essay
• falls markedly short of the perfection and brilliance of an A essay
• has errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and/or word choice
• presents ideas which are obvious or confusing
• needs improved paragraphing and use of transitions
• loses focus on the main idea of the paper (the thesis)
• needs to show a better understanding of the assignment and/or the audience
A D essay
• has many more of the weaknesses described in the C essay section
• struggles to attempt the assignment but only partially succeeds
An F essay
• does not develop a main idea (thesis)
• has multiple errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word choice
• does not address the assigned topic
An A essay is driving a Porsche on the coast highway on a bright day.
A B essay is driving a new Saturn on 280 to San Francisco.
A C essay is driving a 1982 Toyota to Safeway.
A D essay is leaving for class in a borrowed car and having a flat.
An F essay is looking for a car to steal.
Now you try.........
Did I forget something important? Email me so I can put your ideas on the Student Response Page.