Not Present

(F)

Emerging (D)
Messy, poorly
organized.

Quality of
Craft

No effort shown.

Many
grammatical and
spelling errors.
Little effort
shown.

1.25
Position
Statement

Supporting
Evidence

Visuals

Conclusion

Progressing

Proficient

Mastery

(C)

(B)

(A)

Several grammatical
and spelling errors.
Minimal effort
shown.

Well organized and

neat.
Minor grammatical
or spelling errors.

Well organized
and neat.
No grammatical or
spelling errors.

1.5

1.75

2.5

Original question
is restated.
No claim
statement.

Position is unclear.
Claims made to
support both sides of
original question.

Position is vague.
Claim statement
lacks certainty.

Position is clear.
Strong claim
statement.

1.25

1.5

1.75

2.5

Some evidence is
based on
pseudoscience and/or
conjecture.

Most evidence is
scientifically sound.

No supporting
evidence cited.

Supporting
evidence is not
scientifically
sound. Evidence
is not relevant to
position. Minimal
support for
position.

Some evidence is
relevant to position.
Sources of evidence
are redundant.

Evidence is
generally relevant
to position.
Includes multiple
sources, some are
redundant.

10

No visuals
included.

Ineffective visuals
detract from
position and
supporting
evidence.

Somewhat effective
visuals.
Some enhance
position and/or
supporting evidence.

Generally effective
visuals. Most
support position
and supporting
evidence.

Highly effective
visuals support
position and
supporting
evidence

2.5

3.5

Somewhat effective
explanation of
supporting evidence,
but lacking clarity.

Generally clear and

effective
explanation of
supporting
evidence.

Exceptionally
clear and highly
clear explanation
of supporting
evidence.

Partial explanation of
why evidence
supports claim. CER
format is incomplete.

Substantial
explanation of why
evidence supports
claim using CER
format.

Thorough
explanation of
why evidence
supports claim
using CER format

10

Position is not
expressed.

No Explanation
of evidence

Unclear and
ineffective
explanation of
supporting
evidence.
CER format not
used.

Completely
accurate,
scientifically
sound evidence.
Evidence is
exceptionally
relevant to
position. Includes
multiple unique
sources.