Paragraphs are coherent, unified, and effectively developed. Transitions between paragraphs are explicit and effective. Clarity and effectiveness of expression are promoted by consistent use of standard grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The central idea is defined and limited with more than usual care and clarity, supported with concrete, substantial, and consistently relevant detail. The essay is planned so that its purpose and method are consistently apparent and fulfilled.
Paragraphs are coherent, unified, and effectively developed.
Transitions between paragraphs are explicit and effective. Clarity and effectiveness of expression are promoted by consistent use of standard grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Rare and isolated errors in punctuation and spelling. The central idea is apparent, but trivial, trite, or too general, supported with concrete detail, but detail is occasionally repetitious, irrelevant, or sketchy. The plan, purpose, and method of the essay are apparent but fulfilled unimaginatively or incompletely.