The A paper represents original outstanding work; it shows careful thought, fresh insights, and stylistic maturity.  Having practically no mechanical errors to distract the reader, it is free of jargon, clichés, and other empty language.  The reader moves through the A paper effortlessly because of its effective transitions, lucid organization, and thorough, purposeful development.  Having finished, the reader feels that he has learned something and has received some unexpected and welcome illumination.

The B paper represents above-average work; it reveals thought but not originality.  Its few mechanical errors do not seriously distract the reader, but the language lacks the precision and appropriateness of the most memorable writing.  Although it has clear organization and substantial development, the B paper often lacks the organic unity of the best writing.

The C paper represents average college-level work.  A common difficulty noted in C essays is that the plan and purpose of the paper are clear but not carried out completely.  Another problem is that some paragraphs may lack sufficient supporting detail.  A well-organized, detailed essay receives a C when it contains errors in grammar, spelling, usage, or punctuation that significantly distract the reader from the information presented.

Essays that do not adequately address the requirements of an assignment as specified in class receive no higher grade than a D.  The D paper might have only skeletal development and organization; it might contain a poorly defined central idea and sentence fragments, or the message might be cluttered with other serious grammatical or mechanical errors.

As writing that falls below minimal standards for college-level literacy, the F paper shows lack of
thought and purpose, little or no organization, numerous mechanical errors, and a garbled or immature style.  Sometimes inadequacy in one area is enough to fail a paper; for example, an essay may receive an F solely because of its content or length, or solely because of its numerous grammatical or mechanical errors.

Essays containing plagiarized information receive a 0, whether the plagiarism is intentional or unintentional.