Superior A 6 essay is superior writing, but may have minor flaws. A typical essay in this category: addresses the topic clearly and responds effectively to all aspects of the task demonstrates a thorough critical understanding of the prompt in developing an insightful response explores the issues thoughtfully and in depth is coherently organized and developed, with ideas supported by apt reasons and well-chosen examples has an effective, fluent style marked by syntactic variety and a clear command of language is generally free from errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Strong A 5 essay demonstrates clear competence in writing. It may have some errors, but they are not serious enough to distract or confuse the reader. A typical essay in this category:

clearly addresses the topic, but may respond to some aspects of the task more effectively than others demonstrates a sound critical understanding of the prompt in developing a well-reasoned response shows some depth and complexity of thought is well-organized and developed, with ideas supported by appropriate reasons and examples displays some syntactic variety and facility in the use of language may have a few errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics

Adequate A 4 essay demonstrates adequate writing. It may have some errors that distract the reader, but they do not significantly obscure meaning. A typical essay in this category:

addresses the topic, but may slight some aspects of the task demonstrates a generally accurate understanding of the prompt in developing a sensible response may treat the topic simplistically or repetitively is adequately organized and developed, generally supporting ideas with reasons and examples demonstrates adequate use of syntax and language may have some errors, but generally demonstrates control of grammar, usage, and mechanics

Sub-Marginal A 3 essay demonstrates developing competence, but is flawed in some significant way(s). A typical essay in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses:

distorts or neglects aspects of the task demonstrates some understanding of the prompt, but may misconstrue parts of it or make limited use of it in developing a weak response lacks focus, or demonstrates confused or simplistic thinking is poorly organized and developed, presenting generalizations without adequate and appropriate support or presenting details without generalizations has limited control of syntax and vocabulary has an accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that sometimes interfere with meaning

Inadequate A 2 essay is seriously flawed. An essay in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses: indicates confusion about the topic or neglects important aspects of the task demonstrates very poor understanding of the main points of the prompt, does not use the prompt appropriately in developing a response, or may not use the prompt at all lacks focus and coherence, and often fails to communicate its ideas has very weak organization and development, providing simplistic generalizations without support has inadequate control of syntax and vocabulary is marred by numerous errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that frequently interfere with meaning

Incompetent A 1 essay demonstrates fundamental deficiencies in writing skills. A typical essay in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses: suggests an inability to comprehend the question or to respond meaningfully to the topic demonstrates little or no ability to understand the prompt or to use it in developing a response is unfocused, illogical, or incoherent is disorganized and undeveloped, providing little or no relevant support lacks basic control of syntax and vocabulary has serious and persistent errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that severely interfere with meaning