Snapedom

I realize my interpretation of characters has been influenced since HBP by my habit of conflating OWLS scores with the American grading system: A, B, C, etc.

But I gather JKR is basing the OWLS on the O-Levels, for which I have no cultural reference.

What does it mean that Harry can do E work in most of his classes, while scraping an O in the class he's been receiving intensive tutoring in since 3rd year?

In the American grading system, you'd have to be quite bright to get absolutely straight A's. Getting mostly B's means, basically, you're a bit above average or average but willing to apply yourself. Getting a B in a class where you've knocked yourself out trying to get an A means you aren't that great. Anyone willing to work hard enough should be able to scrape a C. I've been conflating those to O, E, A--how far off am I?

(For comparison: George W. Bush "passed" most of his college classes, but never, if I recall his published transcript, got higher than a B on those he consented to take letter grades on. Which would make him comparable to Ron, if A/B/C compared to O/E/A. Am I being grossly unfair to Ickle Ronniekins?)

Thanks!