100-200 Courses

LEVEL

4

ACCOMPLISHED

LEVEL

3

DEVELOPING

LEVEL

2

BEGINNING

LEVEL

The writing engages the reader with an original approach to the subject.  It may encompass conflicting ideas and inspires the reader to contemplate the relationship of complex ideas.

The writing clearly goes beyond the minimum requirements of the assignment.  It attempts to engage the reader through originality and presentation of complex ideas.

The writing meets the minimum requirements of the assignment.  It offers insight into the subject through basic logic and the presentation of ideas based on some evidence.

The writing fails to meet the minimum requirements of the assignment.  It offers little insight into the subject and has serious flaws in logic and omissions in evidence.

The writing has a clearly articulated original thesis and subordinate ideas supported by reliable and relevant evidence based on original research.

The writing has a clearly articulated thesis supported by appropriate evidence and sound logic.  Minor gaps in logic and argument may appear.

The writing has a clear thesis and related subordinate ideas supported by clear thinking and appropriate evidence.  Logical arguments may be one-sided or incomplete.

The writing may need a more clearly articulated thesis and/or appropriate related subordinate ideas.  Fuzzy logic may be evident and adequate supporting evidence is lacking.

The writing flows smoothly and logically from a well-defined thesis.  It contains an appropriate introduction, conclusion, and smooth transitions.

The writing is organized logically and flows well.  An introduction and conclusion are evident, but transitions may be smoother.

The writing demonstrates rudimentary organization and logical structure, but ideas may be more fully developed and supported by more appropriate evidence.

The writing is noticeably lacking in organization.  There is no clear introduction nor conclusion and ideas are neither carefully nor fully developed.  Supporting evidence is clearly lacking.

The writing engages the reader through an original prose style appropriate to the subject.  Language is precise.  Sentences are varied but not noticeably so.  Active voice is apparent.

The writing keeps the reader’s attention through a carefully crafted prose style.  Language chosen is appropriate to the subject, but may call attention to itself in minor ways.

The writing is clear but could be expressed in a style more appropriate to the subject.  It is jargon-free but may require a more complete explanation of some terms used.

The writing lacks clarity and is sometimes confusing.  The language chosen is not appropriate to the subject nor the assignment.

The writing is free of grammatical, proofreading, and stylistic errors.  All quoted material is properly documented and cited.

The writing may exhibit a few minor errors in grammar or style, but do impair the flow of the reading.  Most quoted material is properly documented and cited.

The writing could benefit from additional proofreading, as some errors impede the flow of the reading.  Sources are documented and cited but need to show greater consistency.

The writing exhibits substantial errors in grammar and style so that the basic ideas are lost.  Sources are overly quoted and not adequately documented nor cited.

The writing contains sentences that are always complete and grammatically correct, and free of confusion and ambiguity.  Main ideas are not lost in surrounding supporting evidence.

The writing contains sentences that are complete or which imply unstated connections and/or conclusions.  Main ideas can be distinguished from supporting evidence with some effort.

The writing contains some grammatical errors easily corrected by adherence to a uniform style throughout.  Additional proofreading would help eliminate errors.

The writing is confusing and ambiguous owing to substantial errors of grammar and syntax.  There is no evidence of proofreading, editing, or rewriting.