The written work is expected to reflect a central purpose or thesis that is significant and insightful. Ideas are expressed with clarity, and they are fully developed. Written work proceeds in an orderly fashion, with each paragraph relevant to the thesis and governed by a controlling idea. The writing includes concrete details and examples, where appropriate. Mechanics of writing are firmly under control, with few if any spelling errors or errors in punctuation or in use of verbs, pronouns, and modifiers.
Sentences flow smoothly and fluently.
Conventions of style following the APA Publication Manual are firmly under control. Public presentation is likewise clear, organized, and fluent, with each element of the public presentation relevant to the overall exposition of the project. Written work may show strong methodological competence, for example, and the knowledge of the area studied may be very good, but development and analysis of results from the project itself may be uneven. Written work should show control over content, organization, and mechanics, although it may not be uniformly excellent. Mastery of APA style conventions should be evident.