eng101

An "A" level essay (90-100%) consists of a paper in which the organization, development, and mechanics of the paper is carefully and insightfully conceived. It thoughtfully analyzes and attempts to interpret the subject at hand, giving convincing examples, paraphrases, and/or quotations as proof, instead of just offering up ideas without “textual evidence” or authors’ quotes without evaluation. “A” papers link ideas and develop them in fresh, imaginative ways that advance the argument or focus of the writing. These papers are marked by stylistic finesse, especially in transitions, phrasing, sentence structures, diction, and tone. While this is an excellent grade, if this is your first paper grade, it certainly wouldn't hurt to utilize the writing center to ensure continued success.

A "B" level essay (80-90%) provides specific points that are logically ordered, well developed, and unified around a clear organizing principle that is apparent early in the paper. The language and ideas of a “B” paper is more concise and precise than the content of papers in the “C” range; at the same time, “B” papers often do not develop their ideas with as much clarity, balance, and/or originality as do papers in the “A” range, and they generally lack as much “textual evidence” and/or careful analysis and interpretation of quotes and examples as A papers. While this is certainly a good grade, if you receive this grade on your first paper and would like to ensure the same or better on your second paper, I would recommend that you consider utilizing the use of the writing center!

A "C" level essay (70-79%) denotes average college-level writing. The essay’s range is generally competent: it meets the basic requirements of the assignment and is reasonably well organized and developed. However, the presentation of the thesis or argument and/or the development of the subject matter could often be improved or made more clear; furthermore, the actual information the paper presents needs to be elaborated upon more concretely and with greater attention to detail. A “C” paper generally needs to move away from abstractions and toward concrete particulars. Stylistically, a “C” paper needs significant improvement, especially in its transitions, phrasing, sentence structures, diction, and tone. Furthermore, it usually tends to lack proper or convincing, if any, “textual evidence” and/or interpretation or analysis of the text/s at hand. If you make this grade on your first paper, it would help you greatly to make use of the writing center!

"D" and "F" level essays do not meet the basic expectations of the assignment. These essays commonly include a lack of any clear thesis or argument. “D” and “F” level essays offer a rudimentary treatment of the subject matter and have an obvious lack of flow and/or unclear, ineffective, or contradictory arguments, as well as ambiguous and/or frequently flawed sentences. Evidence of proofreading either is scant or missing. A "D" or “F” paper often demonstrates a lack of engagement with the requirements of the assignment. If you get either of these grades for your first paper, I HIGHLY recommend (and reserve the right to require) that you make an appointment with me to discuss your essay and visit the writing center.