Distinguished - Identifies an entirely clear and specific thesis or central argument for the Final Research Paper.

Proficient - Identifies a thesis or central argument for the Final Research Paper. The thesis or central argument is slightly underdeveloped or unclear.

Basic - Identifies a limited thesis or central argument for the Final Research Paper. The thesis or central argument is underdeveloped and/or unclear.

Below Expectations - Attempts to identify a  thesis or central argument for the  Final Research Paper; however, the thesis or central argument is significantly underdeveloped and unclear.

Non-Performance -The thesis statement or central argument for the Final Research Paper is either nonexistent or lacks the components listed in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly addresses each of the five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper.

Proficient - Addresses each of the five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper. One of the main points is slightly underdeveloped

Basic - Addresses each of the five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper. Two or three of the main points are underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to address the main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper;  however, all of the main points are underdveloped.

Non-Performance - The  five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper are either  nonexistent or or lack the components listed in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately constructs the outline according to the outline template.

Proficient - Constructs the outline according to the outline template. The outline format might be slightly inaccurate.

Basic - Partially constructs the outline according to the outline template. The outline format is inaccurate

Below Expectations -Attempts to construct the outline according to the outline template; however, the outline format is completely inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The outline is either nonexistent or is not structured according to the outline template.

Distinguished - Identifies at least one reference for each of the five main points. All of the identified references clearly relate to the thesis or central argument.

Proficient - Identifies at least one reference for each of the five main points. Most of the identified references relate to the thesis or central argument.

Basic - Identifies at least one reference for each of the five main points. Some of the identified references relate to the thesis or central argument.

Below Expectations -Attempts to identify a reference for the main points; however, does not identify a reference for each of the five main points and the references do not relate directly to the thesis or central argument.

Non-Performance - The references for each of the five main points are either nonexistent, entirely unscholarly, or are not structured according to the assignment requirements

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors. 

Basic - Exhibits limited knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements. 

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.