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.