Grading Policy
Potter's Field


Caveat Scriptor: The following grading policies are provided by P. Aaron Potter, an instructor of English at the University of California, Riverside, for the benefit of his composition students.  Other composition students or instructors are welcome to make use of this material with the understanding that while much of it reflects generally accepted writing practice, it is also indicative of the personal tastes of the author and should in no way be considered an authoritative document.  This is material I give to my students on how to succeed at writing in my class -- your mileage may vary.  All material is solely a product of P. Aaron Potter and does not reflect the official policy or opinions of the Department of English, the University of California, the government of the United States, or the United Federation of Planets.

Grading Policy

In general, essays in this class are graded upon the requirements outlined in the University of California "Subject A" examination. A paper with such significant flaws in organization, content, or mechanics that the meaning is seriously impaired, or which demonstrates an inappropriate or incoherent response to the essay prompt will not merit a passing grade.

Individual Essay: 100 points possible, distributed as follows:

Numeric scores translate into letter grades according to the following scale. Please note that the numeric scores of individual essays and assignments are totalled and translated into a final letter grade only at the end of the term.

Individual Essay: 100 points possible
100-96 = A+
95-91 = A
90-86 = A-
85-81 = B+
80-76 = B
75-71 = B-
70-66 = C+
65-61 = C
60-56 = C-
55-51 = D+
50-46 = D
45-41 = D-
40-36 = F+
35-00 = F

How Points Are Awarded :

Grammar / Mechanics / Usage -- 30 points

Logic / Argument / Analysis / Persuasion / Evidence -- 40 points

Style / Rhetoric / Organization / Pacing / Tone -- 30 points