GRADING CRITERIA FOR ESSAYS

A.     The A level essay must first meet the criteria for a B, then in addition fulfill the following. 

1.      The introduction compels the reader to read further. 

2.   The overall idea is compelling. 

3.      The supporting material in the essay is insightful, revealing and often entertaining. 

4.       The amount of supporting material is perfect. 

5.       The language in the essay is concise and often potent. 

6.        The conclusion resonates nicely. 

B         The B level essay must first meet the criteria for a C, then in addition must fulfill the following:            

1.      The introduction makes a good attempt to capture the readers’ interest. 

2.      Each of the supporting ideas in the essay is appropriate and fully developed. 

3.      The number of supporting ideas is adequate. 

4.      The essay is fairly concise. 

5.      The conclusion has some resonance. 

C                     1. The essay has an introduction announcing its overall content. 

                        2. The discussion in the essay sticks to the main point or thesis. 

3. Overall the ideas expressed in the essay are arranged or connected according to a clear logical pattern. 

4. The overall tone of the essay is appropriate to the message. 

5. Overall a reader should be able to see which ideas are the main ideas and which are the supporting ones and be able to know which ideas are the most important. 

6. Mechanical errors are few and do not interfere with understanding meaning. 

7.      The essay has an appropriate conclusion. 

D                     1. The essay lacks an introduction or most of the essay seems like an introduction.       

                        2. The main point of the essay is not clear. 

                        3. The essay lacks logical connections between and among its supporting ideas. 

                        4. The tone of the essay is uncertain or inappropriate for the message. 

                        5. The essay lacks focus. 

                        6. Some of the mechanical errors interfere with understanding meaning. 

                        7. The essay lacks an appropriate conclusion. 

F                      The essay fits the description for a D, but is more seriously in trouble.