[DanKO]

Having been a History "TA" at a community college -

This was stated earlier, but depending on the course, professors will just skim over your paper and check the works cited (History type courses especially) , number of pages, and neatness, rather than the quality of work you invested, while often reading the first paragraph for a general idea, then skimming the rest. It is vital to do well on papers during the beginning of the semester, as professors will be more strict and try to rid the class of future dropouts (especially courses required of all students). It's not that they are lazy, it is just a lot of work to read 800+ pages, and is often done in their own homes. Some teachers award you for making it through the course and grade easier towards the end. If the teacher is one to remember student names (about half do), be respectful! A girl was caught text messaging and the teacher knew her name and gave her a 0% in participation without ever telling her, resulting in a D rather than a C. If you ever go to your professor for advice on an essay and they know who you are, you are likely to receive a better grade then you may have deserved. quantity=quality is many cases, as long as the quantity isn't utter garbage.