Some errors in punctuation, mechanics, and usage occur, but they do not seriously interfere with meaning. This essay is somewhat below our minimum standard. The essay contains some details and examples, but they may not be relevant to the generalizations which they follow. Paragraphs may relate to the thesis, but they are usually underdeveloped, vague, or lacking in unity and coherence. Sentences may be ungrammatical, illogical, or unsophisticated.
Diction is lackluster and sometimes inappropriate.
Errors in punctuation, mechanics, and usage sometimes interfere with meaning. This essay is well below our minimum standard. Details and examples are lacking or inappropriate. Most generalizations are completely unsupported or supported with other, often redundant, generalizations. Paragraphs are undeveloped and incoherent, and they have little connection to any thesis or to one another.