1   Essay addresses topic, but loses focus and includes irrelevant material.

2   Essay is focused on the topic and includes few loosely related ideas.

3   Essay is focused on the topic and includes relevant ideas.

4   The essay is focused and reflects clear insight.

1   Essay lacks progression of ideas.

2   Essay includes brief skeleton, but lacks transitions.

3   Essay includes logical progression of ideas and clear transitions.

4   Essay is well-organized.

1   Essential elements are missing.

2   Essay includes some elements.

3   Essay includes required essential elements.

4   Essay includes all essential elements and provides additional information.

1   Apparent misunderstanding of material.

2   There is a limited understanding of the material.

3   Understanding of the material is developing.

4   There is a clear understanding of the material.

1   Content is minimal and includes several factual errors.

2   Content includes essential knowledge but includes some factual errors.

3   Includes essential knowledge.

4   Covers content in-depth with relevant details.

1   Uses other people's ideas without giving credit.

2   Little evidence of original thinking.

3   Product shows some original thought.

4   Shows large amount of original thinking and thought.

INTRODUCTION