Critical Thinking Rubric

(Rubrics for the final output Adapted William Pierce for Assessing Higher Thinking)

Rubric Component Unsatisfactory Partially Proficient Proficient Advanced Score

Identifies and Does not identify or Identifies the problem/ Accurately identifies the Accurately identifies the
summarizes the summarize question and provides a problem/question and problem/question and provides
problem/question the problem/question poor summary or identifies provides a brief summary. a well-developed
at issue. accurately if at all. (5) an inappropriate (15) summary. (20)
problem/question. (10)
Identifies and Does not identify or Merely repeats Examines evidence and Provides a well-developed
assesses the quality assess the quality of information questions the examination of the evidence
of supporting data/ evidence used. provided. Does not justify quality. Distinguishes and questions its
data/evidence position or distinguish between accuracy, relevance,
between fact and opinion. fact and opinion. (15) and completeness.
(10) Clearly distinguishes between
fact and opinion. (20)
Identifies and Does not identify or Does not explain Accurately identifies Accurately identifies and
considers the consider any contextual issues; and provides an provides a well-developed
influence of contextual issues. (5) provides inaccurate explanation of potential explanation of contextual issues
the context* on information; or merely contextual issues. (15) with a clear sense of scope. (20)
the issue provides a list. (10)
Demonstrates higher Does not provide any Provides inaccurate Identifies meaning and/or Identifies meaning and/or
level information. (5) information, or merely bias and provides a brief potential bias and provides a
thinking by lists potential bias or explanation. (15) well-developed
interpreting inferred meanings. (10) explanation. (20)
the author’s meaning
or the potential bias
Identifies and Does not identify or Does not explain, provides Accurately identifies Accurately identifies
evaluates evaluate any inaccurate information, or conclusions, implications, conclusions, implications, and
conclusions, conclusions, merely provides a list of and consequences with a consequences with a well-
implications, implications or ideas; or only discusses brief evaluative summary. developed explanation. Provides
and consequences consequences. (5) one area. (10) (15) an objective reflection of own
assertions. (20)