Grading Guidelines

English Department Guidelines for Grading

NOTE: Instructors may adjust grading guidelines when required for specific assignments.

“A” Paper—The “A” paper is considered excellent.

• The overarching argument is sophisticated and interesting.
• The writer’s voice and original thinking predominate.
• All claims are developed and supported with effective examples and explanations.
• The paper is well organized through unified and coherent paragraphs.
• The writer successfully uses critical strategies consistent with the course level.
• Research is appropriate, effective, and correctly cited.
• Mechanics (diction, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, documentation, and formatting) are accurate.

 “B” Paper—The “B” paper is considered good.

• The paper meets the general standards of the “A” paper but may be less sophisticated in its argument or structure; for example, evidence may be less effective, paragraph coherence may occasionally lapse, critical strategies may be applied inconsistently, research and/or its application may be less relevant or refined.
• Mechanical errors occur more often than in the “A” paper but are not frequent.

 “C” Paper—The “C” paper is considered adequate. 

• The argument lacks sophistication and/or originality; it may be unconvincing.
• The paper is weakened by ineffective evidence and/or explanations.
• Organization may be unclear; paragraphs may lack unity and coherence.
• Research is insufficient and/or critical strategies are ineffectively applied.
• Diction may be characterized by wordiness, clichés, or inaccuracies. 
• Mechanical errors are varied and frequent.

 “D” Paper—The “D” paper is considered barely adequate.

• The paper gives the impression of haste and/or carelessness.
• The writer demonstrates an inability to develop a coherent argument and/or to apply effective critical strategies.
• Secondary sources are poorly chosen, inadequate, and/or not fully documented.
• Mechanical errors are extensive, with multiple sentences difficult to understand.

 “F” Paper—The “F” paper is considered inadequate.

• One or more critical errors render the paper unacceptable for a passing grade.Such errors may include the writer’s inability to
  • adhere to the primary instructions,
  • meet the research requirements,
  • meet the length requirements,
  • meet general literacy standards.
• As per VIU Policy 96.01, academic misconduct may result in a failing grade.