Criteria for Written Work*

1. CLARITY: Elaborates fully on the points that are made, expresses points in alternate ways, as needed, and gives illustrations and examples. . .

2. ACCURACY: Presents ideas and information that are true, and substantiates their truth by indicating how they can be verified.

3. PRECISION: Gives sufficient detail with precision and specificity.

4. RELEVANCE: Shows that the ideas and information are connected to the question or the issue.

5. DEPTH: The answer or response addresses the complexities in the question, and deals with the most significant factors. Problems in the question are taken into account.

6. BREADTH: Other points of view are considered, as necessary. The issue is looked at from other sides.

7. LOGIC: The response or answer makes sense. Statements and ideas flow from/to one another. Ideas that support one another are connected.

8. NEW INFORMATION. Provides comments and new information that contribute to furthering the topic.

9. SOLID UNDERSTANDING. Reveals a solid understanding of the topic as evidenced by thoughtful responses and/or questions.

10. CRITICAL ANALYSIS. Offers a critical analysis of an existing idea or introduces a different interpretation to an existing idea.

11. WRITING. Writes in complete sentences, that are well organized, gramatically correct, free of errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation .

12. FOCUS AND ORGANIZATION. Focus is clear, sustained and meaningful; organization enhances meaning.

*Thanks to Linda Elder, Richard Paul and Tom Nolan