Evaluating Using the Intellectual Standards
(adapted from Richard Paul, Linda Elder, and Krista Fantin Ferraro)
STANDARD DESCRIPTIONS
CLEAR:
The statement is understandable in every way. Nothing is
CLARITY confusing. There is no room for misinterpretation because
the point is evidently stated.
ACCURATE:
The statement is based on true or complete information
ACCURACY that is not distorted. All claims are substantiated with
indisputable facts and based on valid premises.
PRECISE:
The statement is detailed, specific or properly quantified:
numbers, figures, dates, and concrete examples are used to
PRECISION express a particular meaning. Precision improves the
accuracy and clarity of thought.
RELEVANT:
The statement is strongly connected to the issue or topic at
hand. All ideas and examples are explicitly pertinent to the
RELEVANCE subject matter, problem, or question. The information
presented is the most applicable information to the issue.
DEEP:
DEPTH The statement shows thorough consideration of
UNCLEAR:
The statement is difficult to understand. The reader
cannot figure out the point or the message of the
statement.
INACCURATE:
The statement is based on untrue information or faulty
premises. The facts present are erroneous, or the claims
are not substantiated with facts, so there is no way to tell
if the thought is accurate.
IMPRECISE:
Thinking is vague or general; the reader becomes
confused or misinterprets meaning because the
information presented is not exact or quantified enough.
Imprecision interferes with accuracy and clarity of
thought.
IRRELEVANT:
The statement is unrelated to the matter at hand. There is
no connection between the claim and the issue, question
or problem being addressed. Information used is
extraneous or inapplicable to the issue.
SUPERFICIAL:
The statement avoids complexities and problems. It
 complexities and problems inherent in the task. The claims
stated embrace and explore nuance and successfully avoids
oversimplification. It acknowledges and dives into the
complicated layers or factors inherent to an issue,
question, or problem.
BROAD:
The statement shows careful consideration of all the factors
connected to the issue or problem. It acknowledges all the
facts and perspectives related to an issue. It explores all
BREADTH
points of view in an open-minded way. It is not biased
toward any side or perspective.
SIGNIFICANT:
The statement consistently focuses on the important
SIGNIFICANCE aspects of the issue, question, or problem. The central idea
of the issue is fully considered and explored; only the most
important facts are used.
FAIR:
The statement treats all subjects—persons, individuals,
groups, or sectors—with respect and empathy. It does not
FAIRNESS devalue, discriminate against, or bring down any parties
involved in the issue. Claims made are impartial and lead to
just conclusions or solutions.
oversimplifies and gives a “surface” view of the problem
or issue at hand. It makes hasty conclusions without
exploring the complicated layers or factors to an issue,
question, or problem.
NARROW:
The statement has biases and prejudices. The competing
points of view are not balanced; a partial view of the
issue or problem leads to an inaccurate portrayal. Very
few facts or perspectives related to the issue are
considered. It makes conclusions without acknowledging
or exploring different perspectives connected to the
issue.
TRIVIAL:
The statement focuses on unimportant aspects of the
problem or issue. It ignores the central idea of the issue.
The facts used are outliers or anomalies and has little to
no connection with the main point.
UNFAIR:
The statement treats individuals, groups, sectors, or their
ideas unjustly. Prejudices are obvious and lead to
unethical conclusions or solutions. Personal interests are
visible and cloud judgement. It causes distortion of
others’ views or promotes discrimination or hostility or
toward others.