Sharp, distinct controlling point presented as a position and made convincing through a clear, thoughtful, and substantiated argument with evident awareness of task and audience.

Substantial, relevant, and illustrative content that demonstrates a clear understanding of the purpose. Thoroughly elaborated argument that includes a clear position consistently supported with precise and relevant evidence. Rhetorical (persuasive) strategies are evident.

Effective organizational strategies and structures, such as logical order and transitions, to develop a position supported with a purposeful presentation of content.

Precise control of language, stylistic techniques, and sentence structures that creates a consistent and effective tone.

Clear controlling point presented as a position and made convincing through a credible and substantiated argument with general awareness of task and audience.

Adequate, specific and/or illustrative content that demonstrates an understanding of the purpose. Sufficiently elaborated argument that includes a clear position supported with some relevant evidence. Rhetorical (persuasive) strategies may be evident.

Appropriate control of language, stylistic techniques, and sentence structures that creates a consistent tone.

Vague evidence of a controlling point presented as a position that may lack a credible and/or substantiated argument with an inconsistent awareness of task and audience.

Inadequate, vague content that demonstrates a weak understanding of the purpose.
Insufficiently elaborated argument that includes an underdeveloped position supported with little evidence.

Inconsistent organizational strategies and structures, such as logical order and transitions, to develop a position with inadequate presentation of content.

Limited control of language and sentence structures that creates interference with tone.

Little or no evidence of a controlling point presented as a position that lacks a credible and/or substantiated argument with minimal awareness of task and audience.

Unelaborated argument that includes an undeveloped position supported with minimal or no evidence.

Little or no evidence of organizational strategies and structures, such as logical order and transitions, to develop a position with insufficient presentation of content.

Minimal control of language and sentence structures that creates an inconsistent tone.