The A Paper: • shows clarity, depth, and complexity of thought • has a strong analytical focus • raises expectations and fully satisfies them, offering fresh insights for other readers • organizes information logically and naturally, building smoothly from one point to another • seeks outs and explores ambiguous and difficult issues • fully supports assertions, usually with quotations • articulates its points clearly, precisely, and concisely • integrates description into analysis • looks like an A paper -- free of typos and mechanical errors The B Paper: • discusses a broader topic less deeply • has a higher ratio of description to analysis • may bring up interesting points which it fails to explore • does not always support assertions • may employ quotations without explaining their significance • may have trouble organizing ideas; transitions from one point to another  may be awkward • may have trouble articulating complex ideas • occasional misinterprets the text; its argument may have flaws • tends to be wordy, with imprecise or awkward constructions • looks like a B paper The C Paper: • may show problems with clarity, organization, and depth of thought • may lack a discernible thesis • may be predominately descriptive • either avoids analysis or seriously misinterprets important points • may poorly integrate quotations into the text; quotations may be "thrown in" without explanation • may be wordy and redundant, with weak constructions, often involving passive and state-of-being verbs • offers few, if any, new ideas • looks like a C paper The D Paper: • shows serious problems with clarity and organization • may consist largely of filler • may have serious problems with grammar, sentence construction, and paragraphing •  may completely misinterpret the text • may lack quotations • is often short • may be consistently difficult to understand or follow • may not match the assignment • may have blood stains or smell "funny" The F Paper: • don't worry, you'll know it when you see it