(3) Writing has hardly any spelling or grammar mistakes. There is a clear beginning, middle, and ending to the report.

(2) Writing has some spelling or grammar mistakes. It's hard to tell where the beginning, middle, and ending of the report is.

(1) Writing has many spelling or grammar mistakes. No clear beginning, middle and ending.

(3) Writing shows that the student clearly understands the nature of the topic and has been able to draw conclusions from the material studied. 

(2) Writing shows that the student has a basic understanding of the nature of the topic but is not clear about or able to draw any conclusions from the material studied.

(1) Writing shows that the student does not understand the nature of the topic and has not been able to use the research material available effectively. 

(3) Student sustains audience interest and attention with effective rate, volume, pitch, and tone. Student successfully transmits the main points of the report, and supports opinions with evidence. 

(2) Student has some difficulty sustaining audience interest and attention, successfully transmits only some of the main points of the report, and leaves some of the opinions unsupported with evidence.

(1) Student does not sustain audience interest and attention. Student's main points are confused, and there is little supportive evidence.

(3) Poster looks organized and the material is clearly presented. Student has drawn a map that clearly shows the route the railroad took. The three important railroad events are clearly stated and fully explained. 

(2) Poster is somewhat organized. Student has drawn a map that shows the route, but it needs more work to be clearly understood. The three important railroad events are stated and somewhat explained. 

(1) Poster is not organized and the material is not clearly presented. The railroad map is not easily understood or is drawn in a sloppy manner. The three important railroad events are not well chosen, and are not explained. 

(3) Venn diagram poster clearly and fully compares and contrasts the construction of the two railroad companies and clearly demonstrates understanding of both railroads.

(2) Venn diagram compares and contrasts the construction of the two railroad companies and demonstrates some understanding of both railroads.

(1) Venn diagram does not compare and contrast the two railroad companies and does not demonstrate understanding of both railroads.