The topic and content are clearly and competently adapted to the assignment. The central idea is apparent but too general, too familiar, or too limited. It is supported with concrete detail, though that detail may be occasionally repetitious, irrelevant, or sketchy. The plan of the paper is recognizable, but not developed or not consistently fulfilled. The essay might be disproportionately developed or exhibit an inappropriate emphasis.
Transitions are clear but too abrupt, mechanical, or monotonous.
The paragraphs are unified, coherent, and usually well developed. The central idea is missing, confused, superficial, or unsupported by concrete and relevant detail. Content is obvious, contradictory, or aimless. The essay has no clear and orderly stages and fails to emphasize and support the central idea. Meaning is thwarted by sentences which are incoherent, incomplete, fused, monotonous, rudimentary, or redundant.