Standards for short answer essay questions. 

ELEMENT Of ANSWER EXCEEDS STANDARD MEETS STANDARD FAILS TO MEET STANDARD
Demonstrates understanding of the issue at hand Precisely identifies the issue. Addresses the complexities and scope of the issue. Offers an  accurate account of the issue.  Misidentifies the issue or question at hand.
Demonstrates familiarity with course materials and class discussions Accurately refers to, connects and extends the text book presentation and class discussions. Rehearses some  material from text, lecture and class discussion Does not offer evidence of familiarity with assigned material, lecture, or class discussions.
Correctly identifies the reasoning of the sources. Reasoning is accurately and completely identified.  Assumptions, arguments, conclusions are not confused.  Coherent account of some of the author's reasoning. Assumptions, arguments, conclusions may be confused. Incorrectly identifies the reasoning of the author.
Offers a critical response to the issue or argument under consideration. Response is clear, well reasoned, and offers relevant points of analysis.

Responds to the material without offering adequate justification. Offers no critical response to the material.
Answer is complete Answer addresses the question in a direct,  accurate and complete manner. Answer addresses  elements of the question. Answer does not address the question.