The English Department of Florida Southern College has agreed upon the following minimal standards for the grading of essays in English 1000, 1003, 1005, and some higher-level courses in English. 

A. An A essay is clear, logical, unified, and fully developed, with specific, relevant, and ample detail as well as sufficient support for generalizations. Sentences are varied, transitions smooth, and diction appropriate. A quality such as exceptional creativity, perception, or eloquence gives it unquestionable distinction. Grammar and mechanics are excellent.

B. A B essay is, in nearly every aspect, comparable to an A essay, but perhaps it is less notable in its creativity and perceptions. Grammar and mechanics are good.

C. A C essay is in the expression of its central idea clear and reasonable, the transitions smooth, and the diction adequate.  The sentence structure is sound and of some variety.  Grammar and mechanics are fair.

D. A D essay contains a discernible central idea and attempts a logical development of it, but syntax and diction are unsophisticated. Grammar and mechanics show significant weakness.

F. An F essay lacks focus and logic, and in syntax, content, or diction fails to satisfy the usual expectations for a paper written in English 101 or 102.  Its grammar and mechanics are substandard for college-level work.

In addition to the above criteria, papers not written on the assigned topic, papers that contain plagiarism, or papers which depart significantly from the assigned length will be graded F. The following grammatical and mechanical errors may alter the effectiveness and, therefore, the grade of any essay. Multiple minor errors will also lower a paper's grade.

**Any of the errors on this list may be considered a major error, depending upon its impact on the overall effectiveness of a paper.