Example Graded Papers

See how essays are graded with detailed feedback, inline comments, and improvement suggestions. These examples show what A, B, and C grade papers look like.

How to Use These Examples

Each example below shows a complete graded essay with:

  • Highlighted text with teacher comments (hover to see)
  • Paragraph-by-paragraph feedback and analysis
  • Detailed scores for each grading category
  • Specific tips for improving the essay

Study these examples to understand what makes a strong essay and how to improve your own writing.

A Grade Example: Marco Polo's Journey
Week 1: Marco Polo: The Great Explorer
Grade: A (92%)
What this example shows:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing with a clear thesis, strong evidence, proper MLA citations, and thoughtful analysis. Notice how the student explains WHY facts matter, not just what happened.

Your Grade
Marco Polo: The Great Explorer
A
Letter Grade
92%
Total Score
Content & Analysis95/100 (40%)
Evidence & Citation90/100 (30%)
Grammar & Mechanics92/100 (20%)
Formatting & Style90/100 (10%)
Teacher's Feedback

This is an excellent essay that demonstrates strong research, clear writing, and thoughtful analysis. You've gone beyond simply reporting facts to explain why Marco Polo's journey mattered historically. Your use of sources is skillful, and your writing voice is engaging. This essay shows you understand how to construct a well-supported argument.

Strengths

Strong thesis statement, excellent use of MLA citations, thoughtful analysis that goes beyond surface-level facts, engaging writing style, clear organization

Areas for Improvement

Could add more specific examples in some places, consider adding a third body paragraph for more depth, strengthen transitions between paragraphs

Your Essay with Teacher Comments
Hover over highlighted text to see comments and suggestions.PraiseGrammarContentCitationStyle
Student Name Mrs. Johnson 7th Grade Writing January 10, 2026 Marco Polo: A Journey That Changed the World Marco Polo's incredible journey to China in the 13th century opened European eyes to the wonders of the East and forever changed how people understood the world. Born in Venice, Italy around 1254, Marco Polo would become one of history's most famous explorers, traveling farther than almost any European had gone before. His adventures along the Silk Road and his time in the court of Kublai Khan gave Europeans their first detailed look at Asian culture, technology, and trade goods. The journey to China was incredibly dangerous and took Marco Polo and his family nearly four years to complete. According to the History Channel, "Marco Polo traveled through vast deserts, over towering mountains, and across treacherous terrain that would have stopped most travelers" (History.com). The Polo family faced sandstorms in the Gobi Desert, freezing temperatures in the Pamir Mountains, and the constant threat of bandits along the Silk Road. Despite these challenges, Marco Polo's curiosity and determination kept him moving forward. His willingness to learn local languages and customs helped him survive in places where other Europeans had failed. What made Marco Polo's journey truly significant was not just the traveling itself, but what he learned and shared with Europe. During his seventeen years in China, Marco Polo served as an ambassador for Kublai Khan and traveled throughout the Mongol Empire. National Geographic explains that "Marco Polo introduced Europeans to concepts like paper money, coal burning for heat, and the imperial postal system" (National Geographic Education). These ideas were revolutionary to medieval Europeans who had never imagined such innovations. Marco Polo's detailed observations of Chinese silk production, porcelain making, and spice trading created a desire in Europe for Asian goods that would eventually lead to the Age of Exploration. In conclusion, Marco Polo's journey to China was more than just an adventure—it was a bridge between two worlds that had known almost nothing about each other. His book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," inspired countless explorers, including Christopher Columbus, who carried a copy on his own voyages. Marco Polo proved that curiosity, courage, and an open mind could lead to discoveries that change history. His legacy reminds us that exploring the unknown, whether across the world or in our own communities, can lead to understanding and progress. Works Cited History.com Editors. "Marco Polo." History, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/exploration/marco-polo. National Geographic Education. "Marco Polo." National Geographic Society, 19 Oct. 2023, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/marco-polo.

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