Dr. Roxanne Kent-Drury

An "A" essay does the following: The paper is well organized; presents a clear point or assertion in answer to a significant question at issue; uses relevant, authoritative evidence to support/illustrate the assertion being made; and clearly demonstrates the relationship between the two. The paper shows genuinely critical reflection by going beyond the obvious and class discussion. The paper avoids mere summary. The content, tone, and style of the paper demonstrate the writer's awareness of audience, as well as questions the audience may raise. The paper is free of serious problems with grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics. The essay and drafts together demonstrate the writer's ability to revise meaningfully based upon instructor comments, peer responses, and the author's rethinking of the essay. The essay demonstrates the author's ability to use and document outside sources appropriately.

A "B" essay does the following: The essay demonstrates essentially the same qualities as the "A" essay, but with less awareness of audience and with a less well-defined point or assertion. The connection between the point and evidence is usually less clear than in the "A" paper. The level of critical reflection is not as high as in the "A" paper, and the writer may resort to some unnecessary summary. The paper's evidence and exploration of the texts may not go far beyond class discussion. The essay shows that the author has some ability to revise, but rarely goes beyond what is required to address superficially suggestions for revision provided by instructor comments and peer response. The paper is free of serious problems with grammar, punctuation, spelling and mechanics. The essay demonstrates the author's ability to use and document outside sources appropriately.

A "C" essay does the following: The essay is adequate for college level, but contains some organizational weaknesses and/or lacks a clearly defined thesis. The question at issue in the essay may also lack significance. The essay does contain a central argument, but makes insufficient use of evidence to support or illustrate its argument. The essay shows that the author has some awareness of audience. The essay's author has made little effort to revise meaningfully. The essay may also contain some problems with grammar, punctuation, and/or mechanics which could have been easily corrected with casual editing. The essay demonstrates the author's ability to use and document outside source appropriately, although this ability may be less developed than in the "A" or "B" essay.

A "D" essay does the following: The essay is poorly organized, contains an inadequate thesis, demonstrates minimal awareness of audience, and/or provides little evidence to back up its argument. The essay may also have serious problems with grammar, punctuation, and/or mechanics.