Standards for Grading Student Essays

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

Has a distinctive voice and point of view appropriate to subject and audience

Exhibits consistently sound logic

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

Uses an abundance of convincing and relevant detail to support the topic sentences in the paragraphs

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

Shows an awareness of its author's assumptions

Takes into account alternate points of view in dealing with the complexities of its topic

Fully develops the implications and consequences of its thesis.

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

Contains virtually no mechanical or grammatical errors

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

A "B" essay fulfills all the criteria of a C essay below and also

Has a compelling introduction and conclusion

Exhibits generally sound logic, careful thought, and engagement with its subject

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

Has strong paragraph transitions that clarify the connections between ideas and make explicit the organization of the essay's argument

Locates opinion or experience in a relevant context

Shows some awareness of the writer's own assumptions

Shows some understanding of the connection among sources and competing claims

Points toward consequences and implications of thesis

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)

Uses sources accurately and appropriately

Fulfills all requirements of the assignment

A "C" essay 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 or purpose that controls the whole essay

Demonstrates orderly thinking in organization of essay

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

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

Demonstrates connections between ideas--within and between paragraphs

Inferences are generally sound

Accurately represents source material

Uses clear sentences, correct grammar and mechanics, and language that is appropriate for the audience and 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--thesis is unclear or is not fully supported

Lacks organization--difficult to see connections between topic sentences and thesis, paragraphs lack unity, progression of ideas unclear or missing

Includes few, if any, appropriate supporting details and examples

May demonstrate confusion about what is and is not relevant to its argument

Shows only a minimal understanding of sources

Uses sentence structure and syntax that interfere with understanding

Contains some major mechanical and grammatical errors as well as many ones

Shows no evidence of revision, editing, or proofreading

Fails to meet major requirements of the assignments

An "F" essay

Contains neither focus nor statement of purpose

Exhibits consistently faulty logic

Contains so many errors as to make paper incomprehensible

May be plagiarized or fail to fulfill major requirements of assignment

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