The reader feels the writer is usually in control, but not always. Subpoints do not always explore the writer's insights in a productive way. Evidence is presented, but not always linked back to the claim. Perhaps the writer overuses quotation. Quotations, paraphrase, and citation are not always handled consistently according to acceptable scholarly form.
Language is used competently, but is sometimes awkward.
There are a few sentences that confuse the reader or are incomprehensible. There are more errors of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax than there should be. The essay looks neat and professional. The thesis is obvious, cut and dried, trite. The reader cannot determine the thesis and purpose.