Levels of Achievement
Criteria	Exemplary	Proficient	Marginal	Unacceptable
Content	Even, balanced information clearly and effectively conveys the author’s message. The author communicates clearly their in-depth analysis of the topic. The reader gains insight.	Information provides a clear picture of the author’s message. The author demonstrates a basic understanding of the topic. The reader gains some insight.	Authors conveys their message at times. Analysis is basic or general. Reader gains few insights.	Authors do not successfully communicate their message. Analysis is vague or not evident. Reader is confused or may be misinformed.
Organization	Text is arranged logically. It flows smoothly from one idea to the next. The reader easily follows the text.	Text is arranged logically. For the most part, the reader can follow the text.	The text is not arranged logically. Ideas often do not make sense together. Reader can figure out what the author meant, but may not be motivated to do so.	Text shows no appearance of logical organization. The reader cannot follow the text and loses interest.
Grammar, Spelling, Mechanics (i.e. Punctuation, Italics, Capitalization, etc.)	The writing is free or almost free of errors.	There are occasional violations in the writing, but they don’t represent a major distraction or obscure the meaning.	The writing has numerous errors, and the reader is distracted by them.	Errors are so numerous that they obscure the meaning of the passage. The reader is confused and stops reading.
Visuals (i.e. graphs, tables, figures, etc.)	All visuals are very clear, concise, and help the reader understand the report. They are properly referenced in and supported by the text. They are more effective and/or efficient than placing the same information in words.	Visuals are clear and easily understood by the reader. The visuals are referred to in the text.	Visuals are somewhat understood. The reader can most likely figure out what they are seeing. Some may not be properly referred to in the text.	Visuals are vague. The reader is confused as to what they are seeing. Many visuals are not needed and are not referenced in the text.
Technical Analysis	Calculations are clear, to the point, and easily followed by the reader. All variables are well defined by the author. There are no errors in the formulas or the results.	Calculations are easily followed by the reader. Variables are defined. There are small errors in the formulas or results.	Calculations are somewhat understood by the reader, and contain many excess steps not needed to follow the process. Variables are to some extent defined. The formulas or results contain numerous errors.	Calculations are vague and reader cannot follow the steps. Variables are not defined by the author. There are many errors in the formula or results.