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Evaluation Standards for Written Papers (Return to the English 2328 Syllabus) Grades on written work range from A to F and assess both content and form. The following criteria serve as qualitative standards by which your instructor will grade your papers and evaluate your writing. . A Paper The A paper states and develops its central ideas with originality. Its ideas are clear, logical, and thought-provoking; it contains all of the following positive qualities: 1. Substance; something to say; original ideas 2. Concentration on a main purpose, with appropriate development and firm support; clear overall organization 3. Thorough paragraph development 4. Varied and effective sentence construction 5. Careful choice of effective words and phrases 6. Freedom from distracting errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar 7. Effective attention to audience interests . B Paper The B paper clearly, logically, and adequately states its central purpose. It is comparatively free of usage errors. Although the B paper indicates competence and is responsive to audience interest, it lacks originality of thought and style that characterizes the A paper. . C Paper The average paper will receive a grade of C. It has a central idea organized clearly enough to convey its purpose to the reader. It avoids serious usage errors and may, in fact, have few correction marks on it, but it lacks vigor of thought and expression that would entitle it to an above average-grade. Audience interest is not effectively addressed. . D Paper The grade of D indicates below-average achievement in expressing ideas correctly and effectively. Most D papers contain errors in the use of English and fail to present a central idea, to develop it adequately, or to address the interests of a specific audience. With more careful proofreading and fuller development, many D papers might earn at least a C grade. . F Paper The grade of F usually indicates failure to state and develop a main idea, as well as failure to avoid serious errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. An F essay is characterized by one or more of the following weaknesses: (1) inadequate ideas and details; (2) inadequate paragraph organization; (3) poorly constructed sentences; (4) ineffective word choice; and (5) serious errors in usage, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. . and is maintained by Dr. Geoffrey Grimes. .  |