DEPARTMENT GRADING STANDARDS
A
An A paper is one which would move your instructor and the
best members of your class to admiration. It implies not only
that the essay is virtually free of errors but that it makes
its point clearly, logically, and gracefully. An A final grade
is the product of work of consistently high quality and
occasional brilliance.
B
A B paper reveals effective performance of the assignments.
The essay is clear and logical but with perhaps some small
problems in coherence or development and without the stylistic
grace of the A paper. It has no more than an occasional error
in spelling, sentence structure, diction, usage, or
punctuation.
C
A C paper indicates that you have performed the assignment
adequately but usually with some problems of clarity, logic,
support or documentation, grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
Improvement is desirable, but you should remember that a C
grade does indicate average college work.
D
A D paper reveals a failure to perform the assignment
adequately or to overcome some problems pointed out in
previous themes. The D paper only partially fulfills the
requirements of the topic, and it usually has a significant
number of errors in spelling, sentence structure, usage,
dicion, and punctuation. When you receive a D, you are being
given a warning that you must improve.
F
An F paper indicates gross failure at carrying out the
assigned topic. An F grade may also be given to students who
make frequent errors or those who consistently fail to seek
out help and correct their indiscretions. It is, of course, a
failing grade.