How to Write an Essay on What Grade You Think You Should Receive

Writing a self-evaluation essay requires objectivity.

While it's natural to believe you have deserved an A+, writing an essay explaining why to your teacher may not be welcomed with open arms. When writing a self-evaluation of your performance, navigating objectivity while developing a persuasive argument requires critical thinking and solid facts to effectively prove your point.

Instructions

1. Pick your grade and write and outline your three-four main reasons for that grade. This will be the structure for the main body of your paper. Align your reasons based on the grading criterion provided the class syllabus if available. You may want to also review the grades you received on your homework assignments and tests before deciding on the grade you think you should receive.

2. Summarize your overall performance in the introduction. Discuss why how you have selected the grade you have think you deserved and what information you will detail in your paper as evidence.

3. Cite specific examples related to your participation, timeliness and effort you've invested in learning the material. Go into details about certain moments if you can recall or mention the things you have done consistently. Asking questions or contributing in classroom discussions can be examples of things you may have done frequently as evidence of your desire to participate.

4. Cite possible opposing positions and provide an argument for why these positions are invalid.

5. Conclude your essay by restating the main points as to why you selected the grade you believe you should receive.

6. If your essay is rejected, meet with the reviewer to discuss the validity of the points discussed in your essay. Get additional feedback or clarity on any comments noted on your essay. You can also provide specific supporting evidence, such as test scores, homework assignments or letters from tutors discussing your effort, if applicable.

Tips & Warnings

• Always proofread and edit your essay before submitting.

References

• Write Express: Unlocking The Writers Block
• Hamilton College Writing Resources: Persuasive Essays, The Basic