Not everyone in the world is created equal. It is this simple truth that accounts for many of the world's problems, but also many of the things that make human society unique and magnificent. Teachers must see this when grading, grades should reflect effort. Logically, if a student works harder than another student, he has earned more. The one problem with a system that grades based on effort is that it can at times be an unfair system. As gifted as they are, teachers cannot always know how much effort was put into something. Grades should be given out according to effort only when the teacher can be certain of the amount of effort a student put into his or her work.

When it is possible, effort should always be rewarded above anything else. The percentage grade a student receives on a project or essay should reflect the...