ENGL 102Essay Grading Guidelines
Excellent Essay (90-100, A- to A+)
- Does all things well and most things exceptionally well
- Addresses the topic fully and thoughtfully
- Clearly informed by relevant readings, discussions, and other class activities
- Has a clear, interesting, and well-developed thesis. Explains and elaborates the thesis in the body of the essay
- Shows substantial depth, fullness, and complexity of thought
- Is clearly organized into paragraphs with topic sentences
- Has a sophisticated writing style (appropriate sentence variety, smooth transitions, superior control of diction)
- Ideas are supported by persuasive reasoning and well chosen examples
- Has very few, if any, minor errors in grammar, usage, spelling, or mechanics
- Has appropriate documentation
- Is the kind of paper the instructor gets excited about
Good Essay (80-89, B- to B+)
- Does all things well but perhaps not exceptionally so
- Addresses the topic fully and with care
- Clearly informed by relevant readings, discussions, and other class activities
- Has a good, solid thesis that addresses the topic completely
- Shows some depth and complexity of thought
- Is clearly organized into paragraphs with topic sentences
- Has an effective style (sentence variety, smooth transitions, and control of diction)
- Demonstrates sensible reasoning and has supporting details for ideas
- Has a few errors in grammar, usage, spelling, or mechanics
- Has appropriate documentation
Acceptable Essay (70-79, C- to C+)
- Shows occasional signs of promise, but has some problems in style/content; does not address the essay topic deeply enough
- Has a simplistic thesis that may show a limited knowledge of the topic or be awkwardly phrased
- Demonstrates some familiarity with relevant readings, discussions, or other class activities
- Does not completely develop the topic
- Ineffective organization
- Lacks insight into the topic
- Has weaknesses in organization and correctness of grammar, usage, spelling, or mechanics
- Has appropriate documentation
- Essay has some merit, but because of gaps in presentation and/or errors, it makes the reader work too hard
Weak Essay (60-69, D- to D+)
- Writing style, content, or level of engagement with assignment are problematic
- Does not have a clear thesis for topic or demonstrates minimal knowledge of topic
- Demonstrates limited knowledge of relevant readings, discussions, or other class activities
- Poorly organized
- Paragraphs lack unity, organization, and/or topic sentences
- Has an ineffective style (monotonous or fragmented sentences, no transitions, inappropriate diction)
- Documentation is limited
- Has many errors in grammar, usage, spelling, or mechanics
Unacceptable Essay (59 or below, F)
- Writing style, content, or level of engagement with assignment are highly problematic
- Fails to provide a clear thesis
- Demonstrates lack of knowledge of relevant readings, discussions, or other class activities
- Extremely disorganized and incoherent style
- Pervasive pattern of errors in grammar, usage, spelling and/or mechanics
- Lacks appropriate documentation