Letter Grade Descriptions for Papers and Class Participation

Paper Grades

 

A range:  clear, arguable thesis in first paragraph; clear appropriate methodology; topic sentences starting every body paragraph; effective close reading; verb-centered, grammatically sane prose; pleasant to read.

B range:  insightful thesis clear by the end of the paper; most paragraphs have topic sentences; at least one or two close-read passages; implied methodology; no more than a few grammatical error per page; accessible to the reader.

C range:  Thesis unclear or underdeveloped; paragraphs lacking topic sentences; little or no close reading; unclear or inappropriate methodology; many grammatical errors; hard to read.

D range:  plot summary in lieu of a thesis; no sense of paragraphing; no close reading; no methodology; ungrammatical; unreadable.

F range: less than that.

 

Participation Grades

 

A Range:  Consistently demonstrates having read and thought about the materials by, without prompting, raising questions, proposing ideas, and responding to comments from other students and the instructors.

B Range:  Frequently demonstrates having read and thought about the materials by responding to questions prompted by the instructors.

C Range:  Occasionally demonstrates having read and thought about the materials by speaking when called upon.

D Range:  Usually does not engage in class discussion; occasionally demonstrates having read the materials.

F Range:  Generally does not demonstrate having read the materials.