Identifies not only the basics of the issue, but recognizes nuances of the issue

Identifies the main issue and subsidiary, embedded, or implicit aspects of the issue

Does not identify and summarize the issue, is confused or identifies a different or inappropriate issue

Addresses and analyzes salient perspectives from experience and information from outside sources.

Identifies, appropriately, one’s own position and/or other salient perspectives on the issue

Address a single source or view of the argument and fails to clarify presented position relative to one’s own and/or other salient perspective

Fails to address even a single source or view of the argument and fails to clarify presented position relative to one’s own and/or other salient perspective

Observes cause and effect and addresses existing or potential consequences. Clearly distinguishes between fact, opinion, and acknowledges value judgments

Examines the evidence and source of evidence, questions its accuracy, precision, relevance, and completeness

Merely repeats information provided, taking it as truth or denies evidence without adequate justification

Objectively reflects upon own assertions

Identifies and discusses conclusions, implications, and consequences

Identifies and discusses conclusions, implications, and consequences but only superficially

Fails to identify conclusions, implications, and consequences of the issue