Inadequate

Adequate

Good

Superior

Thesis

No clear thesis statement

Vague or unclear thesis

Identifiable, clear thesis

Easily identifiable, clear thesis

Research

Much or most research information is inaccurate or incomplete

Weak research information used to support/

prove thesis

Accurate and adequate research information used to support thesis

Accurate and thorough research information to support/

prove thesis

Content

Little, if any, development of supporting ideas

Ideas show a weak structure and do not flow smoothly

All ideas are clearly written; some ideas may not support/

prove thesis

appropriately

All ideas are clearly written and flow logically to support/

prove thesis

Conventions

Sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation show frequent and blatant error;

frequent misspelling of commonly used words

Sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation demonstrate a basic under-standing

of mechanics; frequent minor errors in spelling

Sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation demonstrate an adequate under-

standing of mechanics; infrequent, minor errors in spelling

Sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation demonstrate proficiency of mechanics; minimal or no spelling errors