Grading Criteria for English 101

(Mankato State University)

The “A” essay (Superior) exhibits all of these strengths:

• Has an interesting introduction which includes a clear statement of the thesis (main idea) of the entire essay, a body which provides at least several ideas or examples to support the thesis, and a firm and memorable conclusion.
• The thesis is narrow enough to be discussed in some depth, and the body provides that depth by presenting specific ideas, details, or examples.
• Clear, logical transitions are provided between paragraphs, and the paragraphs are clearly organized.
• Has varied sentence patterns and shows a flair for choosing appropriate and vivid words.
• Has no serious errors in basic grammar or in usage and very few errors in mechanics (spelling and punctuation).

Note: The “A” paper demonstrates that the writer knows his or her subject exceptionally well and is able to discuss it in a fresh, interesting, original way.

The “B” essay (Very Good) exhibits most of these strengths:

• Has an interesting introduction with an appropriate thesis; a body containing fully developed supporting ideas, examples, or details; and a firm, memorable conclusion.
• Good ideas, examples, or details are provided, but they may occasionally need to be more specific or more fully developed.
• Organization is not as strong as an “A” paper, usually because of weaker transitions between ideas.
• Uses good variety of sentence structure, and word choices are appropriate and effective.
• Contains very few serious errors in basic grammar and in usage and few mechanical errors.

Note: The “B” paper demonstrates that the writer has a very good grasp of the subject, but it may lack the smoothness and freshness of the “A” paper.

The “C” essay (Satisfactory) exhibits these characteristics:

• Has an introduction with a clear thesis, an adequate body of supporting ideas, examples, or details, and a firm conclusion.  However, the introduction may lack interest, and supporting ideas, examples, or details may need to be more specific or may require further development.
• Thesis may need to be more appropriately limited.
• There is some attempt to provide transitions between ideas.
• Contains occasional variety of sentence structure.
• There may be some problems in basic grammar, usage, or mechanics, but they are not so frequent or serious that they significantly detract from the writer’s main purpose.

Note: The writer of the “C” paper shows adequate understanding of the subject and conveys that understanding in an essentially clear but ordinary way.

The “D” essay (Deficient) exhibits some but not all of the following weaknesses:

• Has a non-existent or dull introduction; a vague thesis; a body insufficiently supported by ideas, examples, or details; or a weak conclusion.  There is, however, enough basic structure to convey the main idea and provide some support for it.
• Organization may need to be clearer.
• More transition words are needed.
• There is some, but not enough, variety of sentence structure.
• Problems in basic grammar, usage, or mechanics are frequent or serious enough to detract significantly from the effectiveness of the writer’s ideas.  Errors include:
  • Mixed sentences (confused sentences)
  • Sentence boundary errors: fused (run-on) sentences, unjustifiable sentence fragments, comma splices
  • Agreement errors (subject/verb, pronoun/antecedent)
  • Inappropriate shifts in tense, voice, mood, person
  • Homophone errors (its/it’s, they’re/there/their, to/too/two, no/know, and so on)
  • Punctuation errors
  • Excessive misspellings

Note: The writer of the “D” paper shows some knowledge of the subject and some potential for developing ideas fully, but he or she has not thought fully enough about that subject or has not presented it carefully or effectively enough.

The “F” essay (Failing) exhibits some of these weaknesses:

• The thesis may be unclear, and the body may lack adequately developed support for the thesis.
• Organization is confusing.
• There is little or no variety of sentence structure.
• The frequency and seriousness of errors in basic grammar, usage, or mechanics are unacceptable because they severely hinder the reader’s understanding of what the writer is trying to say.

Note: The writer of the “F” paper shows an inadequate grasp of the subject and a serious lack of skill or care in presenting it.