<p>I'm an HS freshman, and yesterday we got back the grades from our semester 1 term papers in my global history class. I got a D+. Although I understand what I did wrong (basically, she didn't agree with my thesis), I would think that a grammatically correct, properly formatted essay that fits the requirements of the assignment in FRESHMAN YEAR GLOBAL should at least merit a B-/C+. I know that I am a good writer, I used reliable sources and cited all of them, I did not plagiarize.</p>
<p>My teacher is notoriously mean, but I had her in 8th grade for Global I as well (my school is 7-12) and never received such an unfairly low grade. Before this, my average in her class was an A. I've scheduled a meeting with her for next week, but I'm just not sure what to say?? Should I try to argue to raise my grade, or simply accept it and move on? To be honest, I'm terrified of her, and I'm not sure what good arguing would do. She never gives extra credit.</p>
<p>Please help!! I'm embarrassed and disappointed.</p>
<p>When you meet with her don’t ask her why she “gave” you that grade. Ask her to clarify your grade because you aren’t sure where you went wrong. Basically say something like, “Hi Mrs. Teacher, can you explain what I did wrong on my term paper. I thought I met all of the requirements, so I don’t really know where I messed up.” </p>
<p>If her explanation reveals that her grade really was fair, then your best bet is to ask for the opportunity to correct or rewrite it. If you really did do everything right except for her not agreeing with your thesis, then you need to politely broach the idea that she took off too many points. If you choose to do this, then don’t mention that it’s a freshman class, or that you consider yourself a good writer. The former makes you sound conceited, and the latter makes you sound lazy and that she shouldn’t expect high quality work because you’re a freshman.</p>
<p>Also no matter what, don’t argue with her and don’t act as if you deserve a higher grade. If she gives you the opportunity to make corrections, rewrite or something similar take it. Also, personally, I wouldn’t mention a specific grade you think you should receive unless she asks.</p>
<p>Good advice from Cornball.</p>
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<p>What do you mean by this?</p>
<p>@cornball - thank you! Very good advice. I realize I may have come off as a little conceited/entitled, and I’ll be careful to avoid that when meeting with her. if she provides a good reason for my grade, I’ll just have to accept it and move on, and try to make up for it by doing my best for the rest of the year (:</p>
<p>@halcyonheather - I think she might think that the point I was trying to prove in the essay was invalid. I was just guessing a potential reason that I received my grade, I’ll see what the actual reason is when I meet her.</p>