The Writing Program faculty evaluate your papers based on these general criteria

A Paper

An A paper is exceptional; it exceeds expectations. Specifically, the thesis is not commonplace or predictable. Ideas are insightful and often original, logically organized, fully developed, and well-supported. The sentence structure is polished, clear, and varied. Overall, the paper captures and maintains the audience’s attention through a natural style and tone; concrete, specific examples and details; strong transitions; accurate and relevant research; and precis, idiomatic word choices.

Additionally, the A paper is mechanically correct, carefully proofread, appropriately documented, and presented in a professional format.

B Paper

The B paper is above average; it goes beyond the requirements of the assignment and possess well-developed, accurate research as well as concrete, specific details and examples. The sentence structure is effective, and the word choices are clear and idiomatic. Mechanically, it has few errors, is carefully proofread, is appropriately documented and maintains a professional format.

C Paper

The C Paper is adequate; it meets the requirements of the assignment. It addresses the specific issue and is developed around an identifiable thesis. The Thesis, while developed in a predictable way, is supported with researched facts and examples. It may have some trouble with organization, development, transitions and proofreading. On the other hand, a C paper could be well-developed but suffer from multiple mechanical and grammatical errors that compromise its overall quality. It may have some documentation problems, but overall, it is appropriately documented.

D Paper

A D paper is below average; it does not meet the requirements of the assignment. It shows little understanding of the assignment or fails to address the issue. The paper may have no thesis, or the tesis may be vague and weakly supported the Presentation may be marred by excessive mechanical errors, especially serious ones, or typos. This paper may have major documentation problems and does not competently communicate a message to an audience.

F Paper

An F paper is unacceptable; it fails to meet the requirements of the assignment. The topic or approach is completely unrelated to the assigned topic and lacks a clear thesis. The paper may have errors so numerous or serious that they interfere with the writer’s intended message. Documentation is seriously flawed or missing.

Zero

A zero can do irreparable damage to your overall grade in a course. If you are considering not turning in a paper, sit down take a  deep breath, and re-think your decision. Then, get to work on your paper. Consider meeting with your instructor to work through your writing block or visiting The Writing Center for help.

Warning: Keep in mind that if a paper is not turned in, you will receive a zero, not an F.

Submission Guidelines

When you submit your paper to your instructor, make sure you have followed these guidelines:

• Type your paper using the format that your instructor has designated.
• Check to see that you have internally cited all source material (paraphrases, summaries, and direct quotations).
• Include a Works Cited (MLA) or References (APA) page containing a correctly formatted alphabetical list of all sources that you used and cited in your paper.
• Check with your professor to determine if they have any other submission requirements (for example, submitting your paper in a folder or electronically, including peer reviews, or handing in copies of your sources).