See also requirements.
| CRITERION | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| ORGANIZATION (10%) | Events are integral to the topic/ data and placed in a logical order. The way events are presented effectively keeps the interest of the audience. | The story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Events are mostly related to the topic/ data. | Too many events, not always related to topic/ data or plot line, are not placed in logical order. Needs to be reorganized. | The story is unorganized and confusing. May be missing transitions, beginning, middle, and/or end. |
| CONFLICT/RESOLUTION (10%) | Main conflict is clear with a logical resolution. The data, issue, plot, setting are integral to the conflict and resolution. | Main conflict is mostly clear with a resolution. The data, issue, plot and setting mostly relate to the conflict and resolution. | Attempt is made to tie the data and issue to the conflict and resolution; it may be unclear or confusing. | Conflict and resolution are missing. |
| NARRATIVE AND VOICE (20%) | The author creates an unforgettable experience for the audience using sensory details, vivid word choice, figurative language, and dialogue. | The author’s voice sounds natural and creates interest in thestory. Some dialogue, sensory details, figurative language, or effective word choice. | There is an attempt to use voice. There is not enough dialogue, sensory details, or figurative language. | No attempt is made to use dialogue, sensory details, or figurative language. |
| ACCURACY AND DETAIL (10%) | Errors in accuracy are nonexistent. Story contains unusual and interesting detail. Important facts are highlights in the story. | Errors in accuracy are minimal. Story has sufficient detail. | Errors in accuracy do not cause significant confusion. Story has sufficient detail. | Errors in accuracy make story very hard to comprehend. Story is missing multiple important facts or those facts or buried. |
| VISUALIZATIONS (20%) | Chart type is appropriate to data and analysis. The visualization’s connection with the surrounding narrative is clear. Design of chart guides the reader to understanding the data with no confusion or extraneous information. Chart is labeled properly, including attribution and any necessary information. | Chart type or design is appropriate but might be refined. Connection with narrative is mostly clear. Chart is properly labeled and data is attributed. | Chart type or design is occasionally confusing or inappropriate. Occasional mismatch between narrative and visualization. Some errors in labeling or attribution. | Charts are illegible, inaccurate, or unusable. |
| DESIGN (15%) | Project uses compelling visual design to immerse reader in the story. Navigation through the project is clear. Words and media are well-integrated for maximum effect. | Visual design is compelling, but might be improved. Some confusing juxtapositions or navigational steps. | At times the design lacks cohesion or a clear sense of how to move forward. | Project is entirely devoid of a cohesive design idea. Moving through the story is confusing or faulty. |
| ISSUE PRESENTATION & ANALYSIS (15%) | Presentation and analysis of issue are concise, thorough, accurate, and well-researched. | Presentation and analysis of issue are usually concise, thorough, accurate, and well-researched. | Some errors, extraneous facts, or faulty reasoning in presentation or analysis. | Issue is mischaracterized or misunderstood. Analysis lacks integrity or logic. |