The topic is valuable and relevant; the paper makes some contribution to the audience’s knowledge; the writer distinguishes between a thesis-driven paper and an information-driven paper; in a thesis-driven paper, the thesis is clear; the writer exhibits competence regarding the subject.
The analysis adequately supports the paper’s purpose and conclusion; the writer’s ideas are generally connected to the writer’s thesis but may not be fully or consistently developed; the writer exhibits a competent understanding of the issues; the writer’s reasoning is clear and thoughtful.
The support for the overall argument (topic + analysis) is adequate; the writer’s source materials are credible but not comprehensive; the writer’s use of source materials is reasonable for the writer’s discipline, audience, and task, but may not be fully consistent or thorough; the evidence for the writer’s ideas is sufficient.
Visual content is valuable and relevant; visual content is used with some consistency; all visuals are referred to within the text.
ORGANIZATION
Adequate (C range):
The paper has a discernible organizing principle; the paper’s structure does not hinder the paper’s purpose and meaning.
Paragraph structure, length, and sequence are adequate to the writing task; paragraphs do not hinder the reader’s access to the writer’s ideas and information.
Key ideas are generally clear and accessible. The supporting text is generally organized around those key ideas, with only occasional exceptions, and the location of the supporting text generally furthers and does not often hinder the development of those ideas.
Sentences are presented in adequate order.
Introductions, conclusions, point sentences, and transitions provide continuity and facilitate a reader’s access to the writer’s ideas and information most of the time with only the occasional exception.
ACCESSIBILITY
Adequate (C range):
Syntax is appropriate for the topic and the subsequent analysis and support within its intended context.
Editing errors are present though they detract little from comprehension.
Layout is sound and navigation of the text is practicable. Balance, alignment, and grouping are apparent, though there is no distinct sense of order on the page. Visuals are placed near the text they augment.
Formatting aides the organizational elements; titles, headings and subheadings, bullets and lists, and typographical devices are apparent; visuals are labeled and include figure number, figure name or title, source, and description, though perhaps in a limited fashion.
