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.
Paragraphs are coherent, unified but occasionally ineffectively developed.
Clarity and effectiveness of expression are weakened by occasional deviations from standard grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The central idea is loosely defined or poorly thought out, or the central idea is developed or supported with occasional irrelevance, redundancy, or inconsistency. The plan, purpose, and method of the essay are not consistently apparent. Paragraphs are occasionally disunified or inadequately developed. Transitions between paragraphs are sometimes inadequate.