Basics

Inadequate

Adequate

Good

Polished

Structure

No structure or very disorganized structure

Rudimentary structure; major components of analysis identifiable

Clear structure; major components on task

Clear structure with well-developed, appropriate, arguments and explanations

Facts

Incomplete account; possibly biased and/or containing numerous errors

Important facts presented; some bias, errors, and omissions possible

Situation clearly accessible to reader; little or no bias

Clear, fair, organized report of substantial amount of relevant information

Analysis

Inadequate

Adequate

Good

Polished

Description

Problems or phenomena to discuss not identified or not described clearly or carefully

Usable sense of phenomena to discuss; vague or overly general language; possible inclusion of inferences or opinions

Clear, reasonably detailed picture of situation; little or no confusion of opinion and description

Precise, accurate identification and description of phenomena to be analyzed; no analytical claims

Explanation

Purpose of explanation not clear; little or no use of appropriate terms and concepts

Intent of explanation discernible, but one or more relevant criteria of evaluation not satisfied

Intent of explanation clear; vocabulary helpfully specific; no major violations of evaluation criteria

Precise, insightful use of relevant vocabulary and concepts; alternatives recognized; no criteria violated

Overview

Inadequate

Adequate

Good

Polished

Judgment

Little or no sense of relevant or important issues to address; ignores or misconstrues important points

Analysis basically suits the situation, but contains significant omissions and oversights; some errors of focus

Consistent tracking of important concepts with good choice of emphases and broad awareness of issues

Analysis selects important and often subtle points; proceeds in an organized way; avoids uncritical bias; definite sense of boundaries of analysis

Specificity

Generally out of focus; imparts little or no usable understanding; inaccurate use of language

Main issues identified, but described in vague or overly general language

Useful application of relevant concepts and vocabulary; individual issues well differentiated

Issues clearly noted and analyzed; theoretical concepts well integrated; details very well selected