A RhetNet SnapShot Repl y:
THE GRADING VORTEX

Students intuitively, just like us if we were honest, know what is good writing and what isn't. Give them a choice between paper X and paper Y and they will overwhelmingly concur with the instructor on the quality of the prose. I'm always in the same ballpark, but maybe not on the same base. It would be a hell of a lot easier if we drop the letter grade and move to a pass/ incomplete. Negotiations would be easier and you could spend more time discussing how to make the writing even better.

Given time and and opportunity to fine tune their tastes, students know kind of writing works, what writing comes alive and how to prevent readers from shuffling off to snoozeville.