What grade did Mrs. Starch give Duane Jr. for his essay?

The grade that Mrs. Starch gave Duane Jr. for his essay was an A-. This grade typically signifies that the work was of notably high quality, displaying a strong understanding of the topic and effective communication, while still leaving some room for improvement. An A- indicates that the essay met the expectations for excellence while perhaps lacking in minor areas, making it a commendable achievement for Duane Jr.

In contrast, grades such as A or B+ would imply a higher performance level or a slight drop in quality, respectively. A grade of C+, on the other hand, would suggest that the essay was acceptable but had significant flaws or incomplete understanding of the subject matter. Therefore, the A- provides a clear picture of Duane Jr.'s strong performance while acknowledging that there may be areas where he can further refine his writing skills.