An A Paper
- On top of all things, fully competent, exceptionally interesting
Highly complex, nuanced - Has a point to make; makes sophisticated distinctions
- So well organized that it handles the reader in a sophisticated
manner - Plays around with diction to create smart special effects
- Grammar and Mechanics do not get noticed
A B Paper:
- Fully competent
- Interesting, complex, nuanced
- Has a point to make, uses some complex distinctions
- Well-organized, structure never breaks down
- Grammar and mechanics are essentially error free
- Diction is adequate and competent
A C Paper:
- Competent but flawed
- Has something to say, although possibly simplistic or unclear
- Recognizable organization, although it may be off in some parts
(but not many) - Diction is adequate with occasional howlers
- Crammar and mechanics are generally correct with minor problems
A D Paper:
- Marginally competent
- Must have something right with it
- Has a point, although it may not be clear
- Attempts organization, but partially fails
- Diction may be off
- Grammar and mechanics may have serious problems, but ones acceptable for college students, e. g., comma splices,
sentence fragments, or other major sentence errors
An F paper:
- Does not fulfill the assignment
- Has no apparent point or direction; doesn’t say anything.
- Lacks any recognizable organization
- Grammar and mechanics may be riddled with errors, often serious
ones - Diction may be off
*This rubric was developed by Angela Weisl of the English Department.