You may have written a perfectly serviceable essay, and there's no reason to be ashamed of it. However, it's just not enough to earn an "A."

What's the difference between a "good" paper and a "great" paper? You might think it's a totally subjective call and depends on the taste and preferences of your instructor, but the truth is, it's a bit more objective and hence more achievable that that.

Here are some of the characteristics of a great paper:

Tight thesis statement:

Your first paragraph should have a thesis statement that is crystal clear and that really "pops." Your thesis statement should give the reader an idea of what will be coming in the argument and in the supporting body paragraphs.

 

Engaging opening / first paragraph:

Your first paragraph should contain a good thesis statement. Don't stop at that, though. Make sure that your paragraph "hooks" the reader and compels her or him to continue to read. One good way to do that is to start with an illustrative scene, as in an "in medias res" (starting in the middle of things) approach.

 

Excellent transitions and topic sentences for the body paragraphs:

Your topic sentences should tie back to the primary thesis and advance your argument. Be sure that you do not use clunky list-making as your transitions. Avoid starting a paragraph with first, second, third, and so on. Above all, avoid using non-words such as "firstly" (!) Using such words will be a high-pitched squeal in your reader's head.

 

Good support for your argument, and make sure it is concrete, descriptive, and specific:

Be sure to avoid bland, tired arguments that do not really capture your reader's interest. Many writers make the mistake of supporting their argument with general truisms and do not use specific examples.

 

Statistics are relevant and current:

Make sure that your statistics are up to date. Do not use the rehashed statistic. Avoid using secondary sources. Get your statistics from the original publication where the results of the research were originally published.

 

Citations are in the correct style / format:

Make sure that you use MLA, APA or the appropriate style.

 

Include examples and case studies to support your argument:

The more unique and engaging your case studies, the better.

 

Express your opinions and views:

Make sure to express your own ideas and opinions, rather than simply restating the ideas of others. If you do use others, please be sure to cite them.

 

Unintended plagiarism:

Avoid derivative or "rehashed" arguments that seem rephrased from many essays that can be found on the Internet.

 

Nice energy, pace:

Make sure that your paper contains a nice energy, and keeps a quick pace that does not slow down the reader.

 

Good tone, ethos:

The tone of your paper is important. It is vital to maintain a sense of fairness and balance. Be sure to avoid diatribes, rants, or bias.

 

Solid conclusion:

The conclusion advances the argument and is sufficiently provocative to make the reader continue thinking.

 

A great paper is courageous:

Intellectual boldness / fierceness, with a willingness to take chances and advance arguments that pique the reader's curiosity, while being sound.