Evaluating Using the Intellectual Standards
(adapted from Richard Paul, Linda Elder, and Krista Fantin Ferraro)
STANDARD
CLARITY
ACCURACY
PRECISION
RELEVANCE
DESCRIPTIONS
CLEAR:
The statement is understandable in every way. Nothing
is confusing. There is no room for misinterpretation
because the point is evidently stated.
ACCURATE:
The statement is based on true or complete
information 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 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 subject matter, problem, or question.
The information presented is the most applicable
information to the issue.
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.
DEPTH
BREADTH
SIGNIFICANCE
FAIRNESS
DEEP:
The statement shows thorough consideration of
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 points of view in an openminded way. It is not biased toward any side or
perspective.
SUPERFICIAL:
The statement avoids complexities and problems. It
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.
SIGNIFICANT:
TRIVIAL:
The statement consistently focuses on the important
The statement focuses on unimportant aspects of
aspects of the issue, question, or problem. The central
the problem or issue. It ignores the central idea of
idea of the issue is fully considered and explored; only
the issue. The facts used are outliers or anomalies
the most important facts are used.
and has little to no connection with the main point.
FAIR:
UNFAIR:
The statement treats all subjects—persons, individuals,
The statement treats individuals, groups, sectors, or
groups, or sectors—with respect and empathy. It does
their ideas unjustly. Prejudices are obvious and lead
not devalue, discriminate against, or bring down any
to unethical conclusions or solutions. Personal
parties involved in the issue. Claims made are impartial interests are visible and cloud judgement. It causes
and lead to just conclusions or solutions.
distortion of others’ views or promotes
discrimination or hostility or toward others.