Stein is a harsh grader, but he often looks for pathos in your writing. If you load any paper, debate, and/or assignment with pathos, you will most likely get a good grade. However, please do not feel bad about yourself or your skills if you end up struggling in the class or are told by him that "grades don't matter. " Take it from a student who was scared to do their essays in this 9th grade English class and then achieved consistent A+'s in the subject in the years after. ; you'll be fine!