It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.
This is my rating scale for articles, and for me to determine good and featured article candidates.
* is to indicate that the article is in the highest range of its category.
+ is to indicate that the article is in the higher range of its category.
- is to indicate that the article is in the lower range of its category.
A P-class article is an article that meets or exceeds the quality of a professional encyclopedia article.
A P-class article meets criteria 2-6 of the A-class criteria, plus the article is:
Written brilliantly. The prose is written brilliantly, it is very clear, concise, and succinct, and reflects the best work of Wikipedia.
Exemplary. The article is an excellent representative Wikipedia's potential for quality.
A
An A-class article is a well-written article, and nearly approaches the quality of a professional encyclopedia article.
An A-class article is:
Written well. The prose flows well, and is clear and concise. There are no major or moderate spelling or grammatical errors. The article mostly adheres to the Manual of Style. It does not have to be brilliant, just written well.
Verifiable, with no original research. All claims that are challenged or likely to be challenged are attributed to a reliable source. There is no original research.
Comprehensive. The article covers the main aspects of the topic, with some non-major content of general reader interest.
Neutral. The article is written from a neutral point of view. The article addresses all significant viewpoints with due weight.
Well-structured. The structure of the article is consistent, it divides information into sections when appropriate, and it has an appropriate and well-written lead.
Accessible. The article should be easy to understand and accessible to the general reader.
B
A B-class article is an article that is mostly complete, however needs some editing in order for it to be professionally-written.
A B-class article is:
Written clearly and concisely. The article is clear and concise, and flows fluidly. The article mostly adheres to the Manual of Style.
Reasonably verifiable. Most of the article is supported with reliable sourcing, especially contentious (and likely to be contentious) claims.
Mostly complete. The article covers the main aspects of the topic.
Neutral. The article is written from a neutral point of view. The article addresses many (if not all) significant viewpoints with due weight.
Appropriately structured. The article divides information into sections when appropriate, and has an appropriate lead.
Accessible to as many readers as possible. The article is understandable by the general readership of Wikipedia.
C
A C-class article is an article that covers the major points of the topic, however needs substantial editing in order for it to be professionally-written.
A C-class article is:
Written satisfactorily. The article flows reasonably, and is not difficult to be read (as opposed to understand).
Fairly supported with reliable sources. The majority of the article is supported with reliable sourcing, especially contentious (and likely to be contentious) claims.
Majorly complete. The article covers most of the main aspects of the topic.
Unbiased. The article does not support or endorse a side related to the topic. This is different from neutral, which means that the article is unbiased and covers most significant viewpoints.
Structured. The article divides information into sections, and has an appropriate lead.
Majorly understandable. The article can be understood by anyone with some knowledge of the subject, and the majority of the article can be understood by the general readership.
D
A D-class article is an article that gives more than a dictionary definition or short summary of the topic, however still needs substantial editing.
The only criteria for a D-class article is that the article is:
More than a short summary: The article should be more than just a few paragraphs.
Not written very poorly. While a D-class article can have its prose not up to par, it must not be written very poorly, i.e. very difficult to understand, unclear and approaching the point of patent nonsense, or an article that contravenes WP:NOT.
Stub
A stub-class article includes any stub or any very poorly written article, i.e. an article that is very difficult to understand, unclear and approaching the point of patent nonsense, or an article that contravenes WP:NOT.
Any article that only gives a short summary of the topic falls into this category, but very poorly written content will always fit into this category.
