CONTENT 

Strong (B range):

1. The topic is valuable and relevant; the paper makes a strong contribution to the audience’s knowledge; the writer distinguishes between a thesis-driven paper and an information-driven paper; in a thesis-driven paper, the thesis is clear; the author shows thorough understanding of the subject.
2. The analysis fully supports the paper’s purpose and conclusion; the reasoning is clear and articulate, occasionally compelling; the analysis is thoughtful and generally well-developed; the writer’s ideas are generally connected to the writer’s thesis; the writer exhibits some depth and complexity regarding the issues; the writer’s reasoning is generally convincing.
3. The support for the overall argument (topic + analysis) is effective; the writer uses well-chosen materials; the writer understands the distinction between primary and secondary source material and employs a combination of sources generally appropriate for the writing task; the writer employs source material tailored to the writer’s discipline; the writer employs source material generally appropriate for the writer’s audience; the evidence for the writer’s ideas is consistent and reliable.
4. Visual content is valuable and relevant; visual content is used consistently and reliably to provide meaning; visual content supports the paper’s purpose and ideas; all visuals are clearly referred to within the text.

1. The paper exhibits a strong and overt organizing principle; the paper’s structure generally furthers its purpose and meaning.
2. Paragraph structure, length, and sequence generally function to further the paper’s purpose and meaning; paragraphs contribute to making the writer’s ideas and information accessible to the reader.
3. Key ideas are clear and accessible. The supporting text is organized around those key ideas and the location of the supporting text furthers the development of those ideas.
4. Sentences are sequenced to further meaning.
5. Introductions, conclusions, point sentences, and transitions generally provide continuity and facilitate a reader’s access to the writer’s ideas and information.

1. Syntax reinforces the value and relevance of the topic and effectiveness of the subsequent analysis and support within its intended context. 
2. Editing errors are infrequent and often inconsequential to comprehension.
3. Layout is potent and facilitates navigation of the text. Balance, alignment, and grouping are active and give a clear sense of order on the page. Visuals are deliberately placed near the text they augment.
4. Formatting enhances the organizational elements; titles, headings and subheadings, bullets and lists, and typographical devices are definite; visuals are clearly labeled and include figure number, figure name or title, source, and description.