Each score category contains a range of student responses which reflect the descriptions given below.

Score 3

The response is an excellent answer to the question. It is correct, complete, and appropriate and contains elaboration, extension, and/or evidence of higher-order thinking and relevant prior knowledge. There is no evidence of misconceptions. Minor errors will not necessarily lower the score.

The response is a proficient answer to the question. It is generally correct, complete, and appropriate although minor inaccuracies may appear. There may be limited evidence of elaboration, extension, higher-order thinking, and relevant prior knowledge, or there may be significant evidence of these traits but other flaws (e.g., inaccuracies, omissions, inapproriateness) may be more than minor.

The response is a marginal answer to the question. While it may contain some elements of a proficient response, it is inaccurate, incomplete and/or inappropriate. There is little if any evidence of elaboration, extension, higher-order thinking or relevant prior knowledge. There may be evidence of significant misconceptions.

The response, although on topic, is an unsatisfactory answer to the question. It may fail to address the question, or it may address the question in a very limited way. There may be no evidence of elaboration, extension, higher-order thinking, or relevant prior knowledge. There may be evidence of serious misconceptions.