Appendix A — Holistic Rubric

Adapted from White (1995).

Rank	Description
6	A superior response will not only define and describe the above content areas in detail but also provide vivid and particular descriptions arranged for a clear purpose. It will have a personal voice and use words with attention to their tone as well as their meaning; it will have a discernable organization and be focused. Response discusses both content areas with clear, specific language.
5	The strong response will be less vivid, detailed and focused than the superior one and may explain the relationship as well as show it. But the writing will accomplish the task strongly; the paper will use words with care and be orderly. Response discusses both content areas with clear language, but 1-2 statements require more specificity.
4	The competent response will accomplish the task in a minimal way: the descriptions will be clear enough to convey a relationship, but not in a particularly distinct way; the writing is likely to be marked by minor but frequent errors. Response discusses both content areas, but the content may be repetitious and (or) general.
3	The weak response does not accomplish the task, for a variety of reasons: it tells about, rather than describes, the above content areas; it features minimal or muddled detail; it loses track of its purpose; it shows patterns of error. Response discusses both content areas, but the organization is muddled and (or) impairs comprehension.
2	The inadequate response is likely to show patterns of serious error, to misunderstand or confuse the question, to use superficial and stereotyped language, to include oral structures with written language, or otherwise demonstrate serious problems. Response does not target one of the content areas or uses generic language that is not specific to the student’s major or future workplace.
1	The incompetent response conveys ineptness at handling the assignment: it reflects failed attempts to begin the task, inability to produce the written dialect, unwillingness to undertake the writing assignment, and the like.

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