Grade Dispute Email to Professor

AcademicFormal ToneTone Shift

Before (Original)

Hi, I got my grade back for the midterm and I don't really understand the feedback. I worked really hard on this and I feel like my answer was actually correct based on what we covered in class. Some of the points taken off don't make sense to me and I was wondering if there's any chance you could look at it again.

After (TextGlow Rewrite)Formal

Dear Professor Okafor, I'm writing to respectfully request a grade review for question 4 of the midterm. Based on the rubric and our discussion in week 7 class notes (attached), my interpretation of the secondary source requirement appears to align with the stated criteria. I'd welcome the chance to discuss this in office hours if you'd like to review it together.

What Changed

1Referenced specific evidence (question number, rubric, class notes) instead of making a general feelings-based appeal
2Used "review" rather than "change" — framing this as a question, not an accusation
3Offered office hours as the forum, which is appropriate and harder to dismiss