Grading Standards for English Papers

Paper grades range from F to A, and are based on content as well as form. 
English papers will be graded according to the following formula: 

A-, A, A+:  The A paper shows originality of thought in stating and
developing a central idea.  Its ideas are clear, logical, and thought
provoking.  The A paper contains all of the positive qualities of
excellent writing listed below: 
1.  Careful construction and organization of sentences and paragraphs. 
2.  Careful choice of effective words and phrases. 
3.  Concentration on a main purpose, with adequate development and firm
    support. 

B-, B, B+:  The B paper has a clearly stated central purpose, which is
logically and adequately developed.  Its ideas are clear because it
contains some of the positive qualities of excellent writing.  It is
comparatively free of grammar errors.  Although indicating competence,
the B paper lacks the originality and style which characterize the A
paper.  The B paper will usually need more support or more specific
details in order to become an A paper. 

C-, C, C+:  The average paper will receive the average grade of a C.  It
has a reasonably clear central purpose which receives fairly adequate
development.  The C paper is satisfactorily organized and avoids serious
grammar errors.  The C paper may, in fact, contain few grammar errors;
but it lacks the vigor of thought and expression which would entitle it to
an above-average rating.  It will usually need much more support or many
more specific details in order to become an A paper.  Or it could be a C
paper because of grammar errors alone. 

D:  The grade of D indicates below-average achievement in expressing ideas
correctly and effectively.  The D paper usually contains some serious
grammar errors and does not present a central idea with sufficient
clarity and completeness.  The D paper is usually poorly organized and
rambling. 

F:  A grade of F usually indicates failure to state and develop a main
idea.  An F paper may also indicate serious grammar, spelling, and
sentence structure errors. 

Here is a list of grammar errors to avoid -- 
1.  Don't say "you" unless it's absolutely necessary. 
2.  Avoid vague words like "thing, stuff, good," etc. 
3.  Avoid run-on sentences and fragments. 
4.  Avoid unclear antecedents.  (Don't use "this, it, him," etc.;  unless 
    these pronouns refer back to a specific antecedent.) 
5.  Avoid shifting tenses. 
6.  Avoid messiness. 
7.  Avoid spelling errors. 
8.  Avoid rambling.  (Stick to the topic and proceed logically.)