Upper-range papers These papers clearly engage the issue identified in the prompts and demonstrate superior skill in organizing, developing, and conveying in standard written English the writer's ideas about the topic.

[6]  These papers clarify a position on the issue defined in the prompt, developed with extensive and compelling evidence.  Organization is unified and logical, with effective transitions.  Language use is fluent with well-controlled sentences, clear and effective expression of ideas, and precise word choice.  While there may be a few errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics, an outstanding command of language is apparent.  (Advanced)

[5]  These papers clarify a position on the issue defined in the prompt, developed with moderate and relevant evidence.  Organization is unified and coherent and transitions are used.  Sentences are almost always well controlled, expression of ideas is usually clear, and word choice is often precise.  While there may be a few errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics, a good command of language is apparent.  (Advanced/Proficient)

Mid-range papers Papers in the middle range demonstrate engagement with the issue identified in the prompt but do not demonstrate the evidence of writing skill that would mark them as outstanding.

[4]  These papers state and support a position on the issue defined in the prompt, developed with some elaboration or relevant explanation.  Organization is generally clear.  Sentences are usually well controlled, expression of ideas is usually clear, and word choice is appropriate for the topic.  A competency with language is apparent, even though there may be some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. (Proficient)

[3]  These papers state and support a position on the issue defined in the prompt, developed with a little elaboration or explanation.  Organization is clear enough to follow without difficulty.  Sentences are usually well controlled, expression of ideas is at times awkward or unclear, and word choice may at times be inaccurate or inappropriate.  A basic control of language is apparent, even though there may be frequent errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics.  (Nearing Proficiency)

Lower-range papers Papers in the lower range fail in some way to demonstrate proficiency in language use, clarity of organization, or engagement of the issue identified in the prompt.

[2]  These papers may state a position on the issue defined in the prompt, but development may be minimal or irrelevant.  Organization may lack clear movement or focus, making the writer’s ideas difficult to follow.  Sentences may often be unclear, expression of ideas may often be awkward or unclear, and word choice may often be inaccurate or inappropriate.  Numerous errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics show poor control of language and may at times impede understanding.  (Nearing Proficiency/Novice)

[1]  These papers may not state a position on the issue defined in the prompt or develop an idea.  Problems with organization and lack of focus may make the paper very difficult to follow.  Sentences may seldom convey meaning clearly, expression of ideas may be very unclear and confusing, and word choice may often be inaccurate or inappropriate.  Severe problems with grammar, usage, or mechanics show very poor control of language and may significantly impede understanding.  (Novice)

[0]  These papers cannot be scored with the rubric (completely off-topic, illegible, plagiarized, or inappropriate).

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