Ideas & Content

• Shows basic understanding of purpose and audience

• Directions for the assignment are partially followed

• Main idea is stated but minimally supported

• Ideas are unevenly developed or omitted

• Focus digresses or over elaborates

• Sources are insufficient, citations are incorrect or missing

• Conveys purpose, and understanding of audience, in a clear manner

• Follows direction for the assignment

• Main idea is clearly stated and supported by relevant/rich detail

• Expresses ideas succinctly/clearly and logically

• Maintains focus on topic

• Uses appropriate sources and citation

• Effectively articulates purpose and engages audience

• Main idea shows insight and complexity supported by relevant/rich detail

• Extends or synthesizes ideas expressed in paper

• Demonstrates sophisticated analysis of material from a variety of sources with appropriate citations

Organization

• Connections between ideas/content are not clear and/or logical

• Paragraphs struggle to develop one main point, beginning and/or ending may be awkward or abrupt

• Organizes ideas/content in a logical and effective manner

• Includes introduction, body of supporting content, and conclusion as applied to the purpose

• Ideas/content and sentences flow easily from one point to the next

• Includes sophisticated introduction, well developed body of supporting content, and compelling conclusion as applied to purpose

Vocabulary

• Uses simplistic vocabulary, language is unclear and/or ineffective

• Uses appropriate vocabulary in a meaningful manner

• Uses sophisticated vocabulary appropriately and in a meaningful manner

Mechanics

• Work has some errors in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, usage, and spelling, but they do not interfere with communication

• Sentence structure is simplistic

• Produces work that has few errors in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, usage, and spelling

• Sentence structure is varied

• Produces work that has minor errors in punctuation, capitalization, usage, and spelling

• Sentence structure is complex and appropriate

Editing & Revision

• Little evidence of editing & revision

• Demonstrates evidence of editing & revision

• Evidence of editing & revision shows thoughtful responsiveness to reader feedback and self reflection