Pine Manor College: Standards for Grading Student Essays

An "A" essay excels in all the categories of the "B" and "C" essay below and also:

       Has an individual voice

       Has an individual and even original point of view

       Is totally unified (Every detail in the "A" essay supports and develops the thesis.)

       Is fully developed. (The "A" essay uses an abundance of convincing and relevant detail to support topic sentences in the paragraphs.)

       Uses complex ideas and shows evidence of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (The writer of an "A" essay clearly understands the ideas she discusses and conveys that understanding.)

       Uses a variety of sentence structures (simple, compound, and complex sentences) to show relationships between ideas.

       Contains virtually no mechanical or grammatical errors.

       Synthesizes material from outside sources where appropriate.

       Documents sources according to a recognized academic format (e.g.: MLA or APA).

       Fulfills all the requirements of the assignment

A "B" essay fulfills all the criteria for a "C" essay below, and also:

       Has a compelling introduction and conclusion

       Has strong paragraph transitions

       Is well developed. (Uses more than just sufficient convincing evidence to develop paragraphs.)

       Uses a precise and vivid vocabulary and clear sentences.

       Is free of serious mechanical and grammatical errors (e.g.: run-on and comma splice sentences, sentence fragments)

       Exhibits careful thought and a real engagement with the subject

       Uses sources accurately and appropriately.

A "C" paper should be successful in these ways:

       Addresses the essay topic assigned. If you have proposed your own topic, it is sufficiently narrowed and focused to be discussed within the assigned length

       Has an introductory paragraph, several body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph

       Has a clearly stated thesis that controls the whole essay

       Contains unified body paragraphs, all of which begin with topic sentences that develop and support the thesis.

       Develops and supports the thesis throughout with relevant evidence and examples, statistics, testimony, or arguments.

       Demonstrates connections between ideas—within and between paragraphs

       Uses clear sentences, correct grammar and mechanics, and language that are appropriate for the audience or occasion.

       Demonstrates understanding conventions for quotation, parenthetical documentation and work cited list when using outside sources.

       Fulfills all or nearly all requirements of the assignment.

A "D" essay

       Lacks focus — the thesis is unclear or is not fully developed.

       Lacks organization — it is difficult to see connections between topic sentences and thesis; paragraphs lack unity; the progression of ideas is unclear or missing.

       Includes few, if any, appropriate details and examples.

       Uses sentence structure and syntax that interfere with understanding

       Shows no evidence of revision, editing, or proofreading

       Fails to meet major requirements of the assignment.

An "F" essay

       Contains neither a focus nor a statement of purpose.

       Contains so many errors as to make the paper incomprehensible.

       May be plagiarized or fails to fulfill major requirements of the assignment.

       Exhibits problems in five or more of the areas listed under "D" essay.