Quality is the most difficult concept to define. The best thing you can do to achieve quality performance is to turn in work that you are proud of. Work about which you can say that you've done your absolute best. Some people are uncomfortable with the seeming vagary of intuitive qualitative assessments. So, listed below is my attempt to describe some, though certainly not all, of the characteristics of the type of performance expected at each grade level.
Work is complete and exhibits sophisticated analysis.
Student demonstrates capacity to integrate information not formally presented in the course with that which has been in a meaningful and sophisticated manner. All work is accurate and powerfully written. Student demonstrates enthusiasm toward subject, is curious about the world and its history, and seeks to satisfy that curiosity by going beyond the required reading and lecture to achieve a holistic understanding of the past. Work is compete and exhibits sound analysis. Student demonstrates a mastery of material formally presented in the course and a thorough understanding of cause and effect.