5

4

3

2

1

Task

The extent to which the response exhibits understanding and interpretation of the task.

Thoroughly addresses all aspects of the task by accurately analyzing and interpreting most of the documents.

Addresses all aspects of the task by accurately analyzing and interpreting most of the documents.

Addresses most aspects of the task or addresses all aspects in a limited way; uses some of the documents.

Attempts to address some aspects of the task, making limited use of the documents.

Shows limited understanding of the task with vague, unclear references to the documents.

Outside

Information

Incorporates relevant outside information.

Incorporates relevant outside information.

Incorporates limited or no relevant outside information.

No relevant outside information.

Presents no relevant outside information.

Development

The extent to which ideas are elaborated using specific and relevant examples from the text.

Richly supports essay with relevant facts, examples and details.

Includes relevant facts, examples and details, but discussion may be more descriptive than analytical.

Uses some facts, examples and details, but discussion is more descriptive than analytical.

Presents few facts, examples and details; simply restates contents of the documents.

Uses little or no accurate or relevant facts, details or examples.

Organization

The extent to which the response exhibits direction, shape, and coherence.

Writes a well-developed essay, consistently demonstrating a logical and clear plan of organization.

Writes a well-developed essay, demonstrating a logical and clear plan of organization.

Writes a satisfactorily developed essay, demonstrating a general plan of organization.

Writes a poorly organized essay, lacking focus.

Attempts to complete the task, but essay demonstrates a major weakness in organization.

Introduction & Conclusion

Includes a strong introduction and conclusion.

Includes a good introduction and conclusion.

Restates the theme in the introduction and concludes with a simple restatement of the theme.

Has vague or missing introduction and/or conclusion.

Has vague or missing introduction and/or conclusion.

Mechanics

The extent to which the response exhibits mastery of grammar, syntax, capitalization, spelling and punctuation.

Very few, if any, errors.

Few errors.

No consistent pattern of errors.

Patterns of errors evident.

Errors so severe that they detract from meaning.