How to get an A on Assignments and Exams

Here are the criteria by which your TAs and Dr. Clark judge your assignments and written exams.

An "A" paper will meet ALL of the following criteria:

1. The writer establishes a clear claim addressing the specific question(s) or problems outlined on the description of the assignment

2. The writer stays focused on his or her claim(s) from beginning to end, making sure to answer key questions within the larger analytical frame outlined on the assignment description

3. The writer makes sophisticated and frequent use of an array of specific and relevant evidence (from course readings and possibly elsewhere) to support or develop his or her position

4. The writer has organized his or her essay in a logical way that consistently shows a clear connection between the questions outlined in the assignment description, his or her main claim, and the evidence/support offered in support of that claim

5. The writer has a clear sense of style and grammar that makes it easy for the reader to follow his or her ideas from start to finish

A "B" paper will be deficient in ONE of the above criteria (8.5 points)

A "C" paper will be deficient in TWO of the above criteria (7.5 points)

A "D/F" paper will be deficient in THREE of the above criteria (6.5 points)

An "A" = 9.5 points. -> Want to earn the full 10 points?