How to reply to your boss when your boss ask you whether your new subordinate is competent/ good to let the boss have a good impression of you?
Reply honestly, especially if the supervisor is in a position to help the student overcome any deficiencies. It is fine to give facts, such as the lateness issue. But don't give either overly-positive or overly-negative interpretations of the facts.
Your statement that they seem to take care in reading was the right approach. Saying that they were late would also be fine, especially if you also ask whether that should be expected generally.
But the question &quot;is the student good&quot; is pretty hard to answer, as most everyone has both good and, shall we say, less good aspects to their observed behavior.
Honest. Objective.