An "A" essay excels in all of the categories of a "C" and "B" essay below and also

• Has a distinctive voice and point of view appropriate to subject and audience.
• Exhibits consistently sound logic.
• Is unified throughout. (Every detail in the "A" essay supports and develops the thesis.)
• Uses an abundance of convincing and relevant detail to support the topic sentences in the paragraphs.
• Uses complex ideas and shows evidence of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (The writer of the "A" essay clearly understands the ideas she discusses and conveys that understanding).
• Shows an awareness of its author's assumptions.
• Takes into account alternate points of view in dealing with the complexities of its topic.
• Fully develops the implications and consequences of its thesis.
• Uses a variety of sentence structures (simple, compound, and complex sentences) to show the relationship between ideas.
• Contains virtually no mechanical or grammatical errors.
• Documents sources according to a recognized academic format (e.g. MLA or APA).

A "B" essay fulfills all the criteria of a C essay below and also

• Has a compelling introduction and conclusion.
• Exhibits generally sound logic, careful thought, and engagement with its subject.
• Is well developed. (Uses more than just sufficient evidence to develop paragraphs.)
• Has strong paragraph transitions that clarify the connections between ideas and make explicit the organization of the essay's argument.
• Locates opinion or experience in a relevant context.
• Shows some awareness of the writer's own assumptions.
• Shows some understanding of the connection among sources and competing claims.
• Points toward consequences and implications of thesis.
• Uses a precise and vivid vocabulary and clear sentences.
• Is free of serious mechanical and grammatical errors (e.g. run-on and comma splice sentences, sentence fragments).
• Uses sources accurately and appropriately.
• Fulfills all requirements of the assignment.

A "C" essay should be successful in these ways

• Addresses the essay topic assigned. If you have proposed your own topic, it is sufficiently narrowed and focused to be discussed within the assigned length.
• Has an introductory paragraph, several body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.
• Has a clearly stated thesis or purpose that controls the whole essay.
• Demonstrates orderly thinking in organization of essay.
• Contains unified body paragraphs, all of which begin with topic sentences that develop and support the thesis.
• Develops, supports, and clarifies the thesis throughout with relevant evidence and examples, statistics, testimony, or arguments.
• Demonstrates connections between ideas--within and between paragraphs Inferences are generally sound.
• Accurately represents source material.
• Uses clear sentences, correct grammar and mechanics, and language that is appropriate for the audience and occasion.
• Demonstrates understanding conventions for quotation, parenthetical documentation and work cited list when using outside sources.
• Fulfills all or nearly all requirements of the assignment.

A "D" essay

• Lacks focus—thesis is unclear or is not fully supported.
• Lacks organization—difficult to see connections between topic sentences and thesis, paragraphs lack unity, progression of ideas unclear or missing.
• Includes few, if any, appropriate supporting details and examples.
• May demonstrate confusion about what is and is not relevant to its argument.
• Shows only a minimal understanding of sources.
• Uses sentence structure and syntax that interfere with understanding.
• Contains some major mechanical and grammatical errors as well as many minor ones.
• Shows no evidence of revision, editing, or proofreading.
• Fails to meet major requirements of the assignments.

An "F" essay

• Contains neither focus nor statement of purpose.
• Exhibits consistently faulty logic.
• Contains so many errors as to make paper incomprehensible.
• May be plagiarized.
• Fails to fulfill major requirements of assignment.
• Exhibits problems in five or more of the areas listed under "D" essay