Guilford College Writing Manual

In its treatment of subject the F paper:

• may display thinking that is far below what is acceptable in college writing or may totally misinterpret the assignment.

In its organization the F paper may:

• have no discernible organizing principle
• show no discernible student interest in or involvement with the subject.

In its content the F paper may :

• fail to provide examples and vivid details
• leave gaping holes where convincing evidence should be
• overlook the need for expert opinion when required.

In its style the F paper may:

• contain serious language interference/barriers
• use inaccurate, hackneyed word choice
• trouble the reader with faulty sentence structure that poorly shapes thought
• have hesitant or erratic rhythm
• be relatively voiceless
• possess a tone that is inappropriate and misleading
• be lifeless, with no energy.

In its terms of rules and conventions the F paper may:

• have some real problems with the mastery of grammar and usage conventions; may display many recurrent problems (e.g., sentence fragments, errors in agreement, comma splices, run-ons, and the like)
• contain many spelling errors
• not use citation at all.