Critical Thinking Rubric —Middle School

4

3

2

1

Identifying Important Information

I determine what concepts and relationships are important in a complex system of abstract and concrete information.

I can usually tell what concepts and relationships are important in a system.

Sometimes, I have trouble telling the difference between important and unimportant concepts and relationships in a system.

I often get important and unimportant information mixed up.

Making Inferences

I use what I know about the subject along with my personal experiences and knowledge to make reasonable inferences. I use my inferences to draw conclusions about information.

I analyze new information and make reasonable inferences.

With help, I can make inferences, but sometimes my inferences are not based on good reasons.

I usually cannot make inferences about what I am learning.

Evaluating Sources

I use several strategies for evaluating the reliability of a variety of different kinds of sources.

I use some strategies for evaluating sources.

Sometimes, I am fooled by information that is not reliable.

I often cannot tell the difference between reliable and false information.

Learning Independently

I do whatever I need to do to learn more about ideas and concepts that are new to me.

I make an effort to learn more about ideas and concepts that are new to me.

If someone reminds me, I learn more about ideas and concepts that are new to me.

I am usually happy with what I already know about information, and I do not bother to find out more.

Communicating

I can clearly and thoroughly explain my opinions by giving good reasons for them, orally and in writing.

I can explain my opinions by giving good reasons for them, orally and in writing.

With prompting and guidance, I can explain my opinions orally and in writing.

I cannot explain my opinions so that they make sense.