Grading Benchmarks

Essay Grades: A, B, C, D, and F Papers

*A* papers present powerful, engaging arguments and central claims. In an A paper, the reader is clear as to the writer’s central claim, yet the claim is appropriately complex and sophisticated, as well as well supported by compelling evidence, logical reasoning, and analysis. The essay is highly readable because it is organized for the reader’s ease of understanding, and the paragraphs and sentences are clearly, and even elegantly, written.

*B* papers present strong central claims and arguments that are well supported with evidence, logic, and analysis. For a B paper, the essay is organized appropriately, and the prose is clear—though it may not be elegant.

*C* papers present central claims and arguments that a reader can follow but that may be only partially supported by evidence and examples. For a C paper, organization or analysis may be weak, suggesting that significant revision is needed. The prose is generally readable, although sentences are not always clear, and errors are sometimes distracting.

*D* papers are either unsuccessful in presenting central claims and arguments, or present arguments that are essentially unsupported. D papers may vary in length, but the paragraphs are frequently organized in a way that confuses rather than guides readers. Papers that are written in prose that is confusing will receive D’s—though not all D papers will be marked by confusing prose.

*F* papers are unsuccessful in presenting and supporting arguments, either because they contain no central claims, and if they do, they are poorly developed; or because they are organized or written in such a confusing manner that their arguments are not accessible to readers.

May 2009