Scoring Element

Not There Yet

Approaches Expectations

Meets Expectations

Advanced

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

Focus

Attempts to address prompt, but lacks focus or is off-task.

Addresses prompt appropriately, but with a weak or uneven focus.

Addresses prompt appropriately and maintains a clear, steady focus.       

Addresses all aspects of prompt appropriately and maintains a strongly

        developed focus.

Content

Understanding

Attempts to include disciplinary content in explanations, but understanding of content is weak; content is irrelevant, inappropriate, or inaccurate.

Briefly notes disciplinary content relevant to the prompt; shows basic or uneven understanding of content; minor errors in explanation.

Accurately presents disciplinary content relevant to the prompt with sufficient explanations that demonstrate understanding.

Integrates relevant and accurate disciplinary content with thorough explanations that demonstrate in-depth understanding.

Reading/ Research

Attempts to present information in response to the prompt, but lacks connections or relevance to the purpose of the prompt.

Presents information from reading materials relevant to the purpose of the prompt with minor lapses in accuracy or completeness.

Presents information from reading materials relevant to the prompt with accuracy and sufficient detail.

Accurately presents information relevant to all parts of the prompt with effective selection of sources and details from reading materials.