Hege Library & Learning Technologies

Guilford College Writing Manual

This is the official Guilford College Writing Manual. A collaboration between the English Department and the Hege Library.

The B Paper

In its treatment of subject, the B paper:

  • develops a main idea in depth and shows independence of thought
  • contains thinking that goes beyond the obvious
  • is likely executed with less originality and energy than is the A paper, and usually does not make the same inventive leaps to new meaning.

In its organization the B paper:

  • has an evident organizing principle
  • has a clear thesis that may need more support
  • is clearly focused
  • utilizes smooth transitions and varied sentence structure
  • has a conclusive closing paragraph that establishes the paper's significance.

In its content the B paper:

  • supports the main point thoroughly with appropriate examples
  • brings in good, objective evidence to prove points
  • offers expert opinion honestly to bolster the thesis.

In its style the B paper:

  • contains clear, readable, and concise language
  • uses appropriate word choice that is precise and sometimes imaginative
  • has rather mature, clearly structured, varied sentences
  • has an appropriate, fresh voice
  • possesses an engaging tone that is consistent with the writer's purpose
  • has inconsistent but sometimes effective energy.

In terms of rules and conventions the B paper:

  • shows mastery of most of the grammar and usage conventions of standard American English (i.e., the paper is almost free of fragments, comma splices, run-ons, errors in agreement and the like)
  • contains only a few spelling errors
  • properly uses the MLA guidelines for bibliography and in-text citation, with a few discrepancies.