| Thesis | Thesis and purpose are not clearly stated. | Thesis and purposes are evident, but not stated. | Thesis and purpose are evident and stated. | Thesis and purpose are logically, coherent and explicitly stated. |
| Supporting Details | Central idea is not focused. Supporting details are general and not specific. | Central idea is minimally focused. Some supporting details are specific but most are general | Central idea is sufficiently focused. Most supporting details are specific. | Central idea is clearly focused and effective. All supporting details are specific and clearly contribute to the central idea |
| Presentational Structure | Presentation structure is weak and lacks transitions. | Presentation structure supports the central ideas, but transitions are lacking. | Presentation structure and transitions help to support central idea. | Presentation structure and logical transitions consistently and effectively support the central idea. |
| Oral Mechanics | Frequent errors in word choice and oral structure, seriously affect clarity. | Vocabulary is limited. Frequent errors in oral structure may obscure content. | Vocabulary is varied. Occasional errors in oral structure do not obscure content. | Vocabulary is varied and carefully chosen. Oral structure is error free. |
| Audience Centered | Style is inappropriate for intended audience | Style is appropriate for intended audience, but is not effective. | Style is appropriate and effective but may not engage intended audience. | Style is appropriate, effective and engages intended audience. |
