Marks are awarded for content, organization and expression:

1.  Content:  what you write should show that you have  spent a little time thinking
     about the topic you are treating and that you have a point of view.  Try to avoid
    clichés; tell me what you really think.

2.  Organization:  for an essay to be persuasive, the ideas should be set out in a
     logical and orderly manner so that the reader can easily follow your train of
     thought.  Your essay should have a clear structure and the transition from one part
     to the next should be reinforced by the use of appropriate  linking expressions.

3.  Expression:  good grammar is essential in an essay.   Marks will be deducted for
     basic errors , that is incorrect verb agreements, incorrect adjective agreements
     (including possessive adjectives) and incorrect gender or spelling of common
     words, since you know enough to be able to correct these things for yourself.
    Grammar errors in structures  that have have not yet been reviewed in the course are
    treated with much greater indulgence,  e.g. failure to use the subjunctive where this
   form would normally be required will not be penalized until after we have studied the
    subjunctive in this course.  Aim to show that you are successfully mastering the
    grammar that is being covered in class and that you can draw on this material to
    express your ideas.

An 'A' is given if the essay in question shows strength in all three areas; that is the writer presents his or her ideas in a coherent, well-organized manner and in French that contains very few errors.