Don't Say I Didn't Warn You: Grading Criteria for the Formal Essays

A paper in this range is one that, aside from being well-organized fully developed, and grammatically sound, shows some flash of brilliance. It either goes beyond the topics we have discussed in class, or casts a new light on those issues. It is stylistically elegant, tightly organized, and original in its content.

A "B" Paper

A paper in this range is a solid effort: an essay with a clearly-stated and fully developed thesis, good organization, and consistent and clear logic. It displays stylistic competence if not virtuosity.

A paper in this range falls short in some respect. It may have a good thesis that somehow goes undeveloped, it may be haphazard in its organization, or it may contain logical inconsistencies that undermine a basically creditable effort. A grade of "C" is not an indictment, but an indication that some key element is missing. A "C" paper usually has the potential, through revision, to become a much better work of scholarship.

A paper in this range has the same characteristics as those in the "D" range, but carries them to an egregious extreme.