The following scale can be used to grade essay questions of the sort used in undergraduate and graduate courses. The scale is most useful when students are informed of grading criteria prior to exams.
Scale Value
Outcome Exemplar
1 Fail Offers scant evidence of knowledge beyond that of a lay person; frequently misstates, misinterprets, or confuses terminology, issues, facts, or concepts; does not support opinions with evidence; does not identify components of issues; does not relate integrative concepts; is ignorant of research needs and methods; responds in an unclear or disorganized manner.
2 Fail Offers some evidence of knowledge, but inaccurately or inappropriately relates or applies important terminology, facts, issues, or concepts; provides flawed or weak evidence to support opinions; incompletely identifies components of issues; has difficulty integrating information; confuses research needs and/or inappropriately applies simple research methods; responds in an unclear or disorganized manner.
3 Pass Offers considerable evidence of knowledge; accurately and appropriately relates and applies terminology, issues, facts, and concepts with only minor errors; provides generally sound evidence to support opinions; correctly identifies components of issues; relates relevant integrative concepts; identifies relevant research needs and appropriately applies simple research methods; responds in a clear and organized manner.
4 Pass Offers strong evidence of knowledge; accurately and appropriately relates, applies and evaluates terminology, issues, facts, and concepts; provides cogent and effective evidence to support opinions; skillfully identifies components of issues; relates and evaluates relevant integrative concepts; distinguishes current knowledge from research needs and appropriately applies research methods; responds in a clear and organized manner.
5 High Pass Offers impressive and compelling evidence of knowledge; accurately and appropriately relates, applies and evaluates terminology, issues, facts, and concepts; provides original and effective evidence to support opinions; provides original insight into the analysis and integration of information; creatively delineates research needs and appropriately applies and evaluates research methods; responds in a clear and organized manner.