From a teacher somewhere, passed on from teacher to teacher:

AN "A" ESSAY:

• States one precise claim in a very clear, identifiable thesis statement.
• A statement of topic area can suffice if the essay subsequently builds to a clear, identifiable conclusion.
  
• Develops the thesis/topic fully, clearly, and logically throughout the essay.
• Contains fully developed, unified, and coherent body paragraphs.
• Includes some original analysis that goes beyond class discussion.
• Provides relevant and significant evidence to support claims.
• Correctly and effectively introduces and cites such evidence.
• Makes insightful connections among ideas, weaving them together well.
• Draws a logical and relevant conclusion which does not simply restate the main idea.
• Uses concepts correctly and appropriately.
• Contains no distracting mechanical or grammatical errors.
• Is clearly and logically organized, both overall and within each paragraph.
• Contains sophisticated sentence variety and effective, precise diction.
• Shows improvement over former essays, particularly in areas where suggestions have been made.