Sample Grading Criteria for In-Class Essay Exams

in Introduction to Literature Courses

Individual Essay Grades:

A         = 20, 19
A-/B+  = 18          (90%)

B         = 17
B-/C+  = 16          (80%)

C         = 15
C-/D+  = 14          (70%)

D          = 13
D-         = 12         (60%)

F           = 11

Essay Evaluation:

A

• It responds directly to the essay prompt.
• It has a clearly stated central idea or a clearly discernable focus and/or direction.
• Its opinions and generalizations are fully supported by clear explanations and examples.
• It has a clear structure – multiple paragraphs; one idea per paragraph.
• It is free of distracting errors in language usage.

B

• It responds directly to the essay prompt.
• Its central idea, focus, and/or direction may be slightly less clear than an A essay.
• Its opinions and generalizations are adequately supported by clear explanations and examples.
• It has a clear structure – multiple paragraphs; one idea per paragraph.
• It may contain a few distracting errors in language usage.

C

• It may swerve slightly away from the essay prompt.
• Its central idea, focus, and/or direction may be less clear than an A essay.
• Its opinions and generalizations may not all be supported by clear explanations and examples.
• Its structure may be confusing – very long paragraphs; more than one idea per paragraph.
• It contains some distracting errors in language usage.

D

• It does not directly address the essay prompt.
• Its central idea, focus, and/or direction is/are not clear.
• Its opinions and generalizations are not supported by clear explanations and examples.
• Its structure is confusing – very long paragraphs; more than one idea per paragraph.
• It contains many distracting errors in language usage.