Grading Criteria
The grade of "A" is given for written work which is excellent in the following respects:
The treatment of the subject shows superior intelligence, careful workmanship, and originality.
The composition is organized so clearly that the reader knows at all times what the author's purpose is and how he/she intends to accomplish it.
Paragraphs are strongly coherent and are fully developed as their function within the whole theme demands.
Sentences are constructed so as to contribute precisely, forcefully, and interestingly to the author's central purpose.
Individual words are used with exactness, with appropriateness to their context, and with a sure sense of their connotative and denotative power.
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the other mechanical elements are correct.
The grade of "B" is given for work of superior achievement but less than "A" distinction. More specifically, it may be characterized as follows:
Treatment of the subject shows some originality in expression and better than average ability to relate ideas intelligently.
The whole composition is clearly organized but lacks the full clarity and tight coherence of "A" work. At the same time while organization is more mechanical, it is especially appropriate to the author’s subject and purpose.
Paragraphs are unified, coherent, and fairly well developed.
Sentences are generally fluent and sufficiently varied in type and length to make for an easy, natural style.
Words are used with precision and with some attention to their connotative value.
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the other mechanical elements are correct.
The grade of "C" is given for work that is correct but which is generally mechanical in its total effect and fails in some particular way to achieve the quality of "B" work.
Treatment of the subject is acceptable but without distinction.
The whole composition is clearly organized in the sense that the central idea is systematically divided into sub-topics.
Paragraphs are unified and developed, although the development shows little originality. Some coherency is obtained, but paragraphing at this level is usually loose and uneconomical.
Sentences are correct and linked to one another so as to make for an elementary fluency. Generally, however, style is wooden and repetitious.
Choice of words is generally correct but without much evocative power.
Except for a few slips, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the mechanical elements of writing are correct.
The grade of "D" is achieved when the paper fails to meet the requirements of "C" status. Any of the following weaknesses may reduce an otherwise "C" paper to a "D":
Treatment of the subject is thin and somewhat fuzzy.
While the whole composition has been divided into sub-topics, organization is not wholly clear or effective.
Paragraphs are unified but not fully enough developed or very coherent.
Sentences are awkward, ambiguous, or overly simple in structure.
Choice of words is often imprecise and inappropriate.
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanical elements of writing are faulty.
The grade of "F" is given to work which fails to meet the minimum requirements of the "D" grade. This grade can result from any of the following characteristics:
Treatment of the subject is highly superficial or thoughtless.
The whole composition is not divided into sub-topics indicated by systematic paragraphing, or it is illogically divided.
Paragraphs lack unity or almost completely underdeveloped.
Sentences are obscure and confusing.
Choice of words is inexact or inept.
Control of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanical elements of writing are lacking.
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