Grading Scale for Papers
Papers will earn grades based on the following rubric:
Grade of A: This grade is assigned to papers that demonstrate excellence in content and organization. Papers that earn an “A” contain a clear thesis statement and a sound organizational structure leading the reader to a conclusion that answers the purpose of the assignment. Ideas presented are supported by convincing evidence that is sufficient in quantity, as well as quality. There are few, if any, mechanical errors that distract from the paper’s content and the paper conforms to all mechanical aspects of the assignment, including length, type size, margin size, etc.
Grade of A-: This grade is assigned to papers that are very good, but have a few problems in some areas. These papers may be very well organized, contain a clear thesis statement, but fail to make a compelling argument. Alternatively, they may present an excellent argument, backed by substantial evidence, but have some problems with organization or meeting other aspects of the assignment.
Grade of B+ to B: This grade range goes to papers that are solid, but not outstanding. These papers may be competent in their handling of the topic, but the quantity or quality of evidence presented to support or inform the reader may be weak. They may offer some intriguing ideas, but lack the organization of those ideas to engage the reader. Papers that receive a B+ tend to have fewer of these types of problems than those that receive a B. Alternatively, these papers may contain a number of distracting mechanical errors. Papers that receive a B+ tend to have fewer of these types of problems than those that receive a B. Sadly, this grade often goes to excellent students who waited too late to get started and then did not have sufficient time to revise and proof read their papers. Don’t start late.
Grade of B-: These papers do have some strengths. They may present sound ideas, but unclear writing makes it difficult to comprehend these ideas. Alternatively, they may be well written, but present only weak ideas and have little evidence to support those ideas. Good papers that are not edited also earn this grade.
Grade of C+ to C: This grade goes to papers that are very weak, either because they do not contain a thesis statement or because they are poorly written with errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. They present ideas that are weak and unsupported. Arguments, if any, are thinly developed and weakly supported. Papers that receive a grade of C+ tend to have fewer of these problems than those that receive a C.
Grade of C- to D: These grades go to papers that are turned in late, or are completely unacceptable because they are full of errors in style, mechanics and organization and present few worthwhile ideas. It is usually quite obvious that these papers were written in haste with little or no effort.
Grade of E: These grades go to papers that contain plagiarism or the authorship is in question. Do not go here. Students who plagiarize may receive a failing grade in the course and the college will be notified of the reason for the failure. Papers not turned in will also receive a zero.
(Adapted from Higgins, 2001)
Leave a Reply