Thorough discussion; a full & balanced
response to the question
Uses nearly all documents
Incorporates much accurate & relevant outside information
Contains no significant factual errors or misinterpretation of documents
Presents analysis which reflects understanding of complex issues
Recognizes patterns & distinctions, draws conclusions, & evaluates
relative importance
Recognizes point of view where applicable
Writes a well developed essay consistently demonstrating clear &
logical organization, including a strong introduction & conclusion and a
clearly stated thesis
4 A good response, but
may be unevenly developed
Uses most of the documents
Includes some supplementary information
Contains mostly accurate information and interpretation of documents
Shows some understanding/ analysis of complex issues
Evaluates evidence & formulates generally accurate conclusions
Well developed essay demonstrating clear plan of organization including a
strong introduction & conclusion and a general thesis
3 Competent response to the question
Uses some of the documents
Contains little or no supplementary information
Attempts to formulate some conclusions: may contain some factual errors
Essay may be unevenly developed with a general plan of organization
Thesis missing, merely restates question or task
2 An incomplete response
Uses little information from the documents
No supplemental information
Draws vague conclusions; many serious errors
Writes a poorly organized essay lacking focus, vague or missing
introduction or conclusion
1 Confused response
No use of documents
Misunderstands the question and/or responds in a dazed & vague manner
Essay demonstrates major weakness in organization, vague or missing
introduction or conclusion
0 Fails to address the question
No response
Blank paper or illegible or indecipherable
