| A | 90-100 | The “A” paper is exceptional in every way. Formatting The essay is written in MLA format. It follows the outline and meets the length requirement. Content Essay begins with a solid introduction that contains a clear thesis. The body paragraphs contain clear topic sentences and detailed support. The essay ends with an effective conclusion. Writing shows high degree of attention to logic and reasoning of points. Unity leads the reader through the argument and stirs thought regarding the topic. Writing shows outstanding style going beyond usual college-level writing. Rhetorical devices and tone are used effectively, and there is creative use of sentence structure and coordination. Content indicates synthesis of ideas, in-depth analysis, and original thought. Grammar Essay is free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. It is absent of fragments, comma splices, and run-ons. |
| B | 80-89 | The “B” essay is above adequate in most areas. Formatting The essay is written in MLA format. It follows the outline and meets the length requirement. Content The majority of the essay is clear, focused, and well-detailed, but there may be a few areas requiring more development. Writing is coherent and logically organized. Overall unity of ideas is present. Content indicates original thinking and develops ideas with sufficient and firm evidence. Writing attains college-level style; tone is appropriate, and rhetorical devices and sentence variety enhance content. Grammar Essay has few spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors, allowing reader to follow ideas clearly. |
| C | 70-79 | The “C” essay adequate in most areas. Formatting The essay may not completely follow the outline or MLA format. However, it does meet the length requirement. Content The thesis is clear but may be lacking in both control and command. The organization may be a slight problem but can be fixed. The paragraphs provide support but are generally underdeveloped. Paragraphs indicate thinking and reasoning applied with original thought on some ideas. The essay approaches college-level usage of sentence variety, diction, and rhetorical devices. Grammar There may be multiple errors in grammar, mechanics, syntax, and tone, but the errors do not detract from the overall argument. |
| D | 60-69 | The “D” essay is lacking in most areas. Formatting The essay fails to follow MLA format or assignment requirements. It does not follow the outline or meet the length requirement. Content Thesis is neither clear nor controls the entire essay. Writing lacks logical organization and unity. The essay shows some thinking and reasoning but most ideas are underdeveloped and unoriginal. Main points lack detailed development. Ideas are vague with little evidence of critical thinking. There is little or no variety in sentence structure, diction, rhetorical devices or emphasis. Despite the errors, there appears to be legitimate effort put forth by the writer. Grammar Frequent spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors create distraction from the overall argument, making reading difficult. |
| F | 0-59 | The “F” essay is problematic throughout. Formatting The essay fails to follow formatting and assignment requirements. It does not follow the outline or meet the length requirement. Content The thesis is not present or not clear. The essay does not follow the basic essay structure. Main points lack detailed development. Ideas show little or no evidence of critical thinking. Writing lacks variety in sentence structure, diction, rhetorical devices or emphasis. Grammar Numerous spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors detract from the overall argument, making reading very difficult. |