MLA style,
An “A” is reserved for first-rate work. It must have:
– been written on one of the given topics outlined on the research essay assignment sheet
– a debatable thesis with one clear claim that advances the reader’s understanding of a text
– a thesis that is clearly developed in response to a peer-reviewed work of literary criticism
– convincing claims that fully support the thesis
– a logical essay structure which moves the argument forward
– an appropriate essay structure which demonstrates the standard conventions for research essays in
the discipline of English literature
– excellent paragraph unity, coherence, and development
– ample, appropriate, clearly presented, and properly cited quoted, paraphrased, and/or summarized
material from the primary source
– effective analysis and interpretation of evidence from the primary source
– effective use of at least four reliable secondary sources, one of which must be a peer-reviewed piece
of literary criticism with which the essay maintains a strong connection throughout
– very strong language and sentences
– an academic tone with a strong awareness of audience
– no significant spelling, grammar, or sentence-structure errors
– correct use of MLA style (9th edition), including the format of the document, in-text citations, and the
works-cited list with very limited, minor errors or no errorsAn “A” is reserved for first-rate work. It must have:
– been written on one of the given topics outlined on the research essay assignment sheet
– a debatable thesis with one clear claim that advances the reader’s understanding of a text
– a thesis that is clearly developed in response to a peer-reviewed work of literary criticism
– convincing claims that fully support the thesis
– a logical essay structure which moves the argument forward
– an appropriate essay structure which demonstrates the standard conventions for research essays in
the discipline of English literature
– excellent paragraph unity, coherence, and development
– ample, appropriate, clearly presented, and properly cited quoted, paraphrased, and/or summarized
material from the primary source
– effective analysis and interpretation of evidence from the primary source
– effective use of at least four reliable secondary sources, one of which must be a peer-reviewed piece
of literary criticism with which the essay maintains a strong connection throughout
– very strong language and sentences
– an academic tone with a strong awareness of audience
– no significant spelling, grammar, or sentence-structure errors
– correct use of MLA style (9th edition), including the format of the document, in-text citations, and the
works-cited list with very limited, minor errors or no errors