The "E" grade is essentially a historical footnote in the context of modern grading systems, as there is no "E" grade currently used.
Historical Context of the "E" Grade
Historically, the letter grade "E" was used, but it signified failure, much like the "F" grade does today. According to the provided reference, back in 1897, "E" was the lowest possible grade.
Why "E" Was Replaced by "F"
The transition from "E" to "F" as the failing grade occurred because educators and parents found "F" for "Failed" much easier to understand. The letter "E" could have potentially been misinterpreted as standing for "excellent," causing confusion.
Current Grading Systems
Modern grading systems typically use A, B, C, D, and F, with "F" representing a failing grade.
Common Grading Scale Example
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Excellent |
| B | Above Average |
| C | Average |
| D | Below Average |
| F | Failing |
Conclusion
Therefore, while the "E" grade once existed as a failing mark, it has been replaced by the "F" grade in contemporary grading systems to avoid ambiguity and more clearly communicate failure.
