<p>I've always consistently done well with essays as writing is one of my stronger points. However, I recently received a terrible grade (D+) and I honestly don't agree with it.
Throughout the essay, the feedback that I was given insinuated that the teacher believed I plagiarized.
"Language seems out of alignment with 11th grade abilities.", she wrote.
That's a poor reason, in my opinion.</p>
<p>That’s a pretty lofty accusation. Does this teacher actually have proof that you plagiarized? I mean, if that’s the only reason you’re getting marked down and you are indeed innocent and she has no proof, call your teacher out on their BS and go to your guidance counselor or something.</p>
<p>Do guidance counselors really have any jurisdiction over how a teacher grades?</p>
<p>They get a lot of parents calling and complaining about their kids’ grades, so they must be able to do something.
Do you consistently write the same way on written tests you do in the classroom? That should prove it’s not plagiarism.</p>
<p>Yes, since the beginning of high school I’ve been working to improve my skill in writing and vocabulary and in my essays and past exams, it shows.
She probably won’t consider that sufficient proof though.
I’d really just like to know whether or not it can actually be done. I’ve never heard of anyone successfully convincing a teacher to change their grade regardless of whether or not they had a viable argument.
It might just be a waste of time. Or it might make her angrier and cause her to lower my grade further.</p>
<p>Yes. In your case, you should easily be able to get the grade changed. Worst case is you get your parents and counselors involved</p>
<p>She could be saying it is too simplistic for 11th grade. 
I would go see the teacher. If she is truly saying she thinks you did not write it, and you did, you should raise this issue to a higher level (administration) and complain. A lot of times you can’t win on an English grade because the grading is so subjective. But if she gave your the grade because she thinks you cheated, but has no proof (and obviously if you didn’t cheat), I think you need to complain about this. Don’t let her get away with it… your silence implies that you tacitly agree with her, I think.</p>
<p>It’s weird that she’s just giving a D. If I were a teacher with actual definitive proof that someone plagiarized I would give them a zero and make sure they got in trouble. If she has no proof, then she’s not justified in giving you a bad grade.</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p>I would tell the higher-ups about your problem.</p>
<p>I was able to bump my sister’s grade to an A when she was only a few percent away once (We’re twins). I think it was because I was acting all nice. Anyways, If i was in your situation I would definitely complain to the counselor.</p>
<p>I disputed a Math grade last year, so I can’t really help you in this situation other than suggesting NEVER to approach someone else before the teacher. This is what I did with my Math teacher and she got pretty ****ed, and it is pretty disrespectful if you think about it.</p>
<p>Ask her why first, and if she can’t explain herself properly, go to another teacher you trust or simply to your counselor.</p>
<p>I’ve disputed very minor things. For example I was supposed to get 2 more points for a math problem because my teacher graded wrong.</p>
<p>Occasionally. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. </p>
<p>In your situation, does your school use turnitin? If she’s worried you plagiarized, that would be an easy way to settle things.</p>
<p>I may have to dispute my grade if my professor doesn’t round up my 92.66% to a 93. On the syllabus it says 90-92 is an A-, and 93-100 is an A, but doesn’t say anything about in between 92 and 93.</p>
<p>@purmou, yes, I’ve done the math grade twice this year–especially when expressions can be simplified in so many ways. He got mad when I brought up someone’s paper with the same answer too that got it correct… Err, and the person with the perfect score I did not show him, but I could prove it was wrong on that question
I have prideful confidence in my answers and can use other papers I say.</p>
<p>I once disputed a grade to get it from an A- to an A in 7th grade in my Science class.</p>
<p>However, that required a 14 page paper (I kid you not) on tectonic plate movement.</p>
<p>I used university sources and that paper is used in that teachers class today to teach tectonic plate movement.</p>
<p>I was so proud.</p>
<p>And very tired.</p>
<p>A- to A? In middle school where grades don’t matter? What on Earth was the point of disputing that?</p>
<p>I tried disputing a grade from an A to an A+ (basically i’m at .49) and the teacher’s response was “you get what you get.” </p>
<p>:(</p>
<p>Sorry, I meant a B</p>
<p>Nope. Not even when I’m right.</p>