Distinguished - Includes a well-developed introduction containing a clear thesis statement that offers a debatable claim.

Proficient - Includes a mostly developed introduction containing a thesis statement that offers a debatable claim. The thesis may be somewhat unclear.

Basic - Provides a somewhat detailed introduction containing a thesis statement that offers a somewhat debatable claim. The introduction may be underdeveloped or thesis may be unclear.

Below Expectations - Provides an introduction containing a thesis statement that does not offer a debatable claim. The introduction is underdeveloped and the thesis is unclear.

Non-Performance - The introduction and thesis statement are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The body paragraphs contain clear topic sentences that directly relate to the thesis. The paragraphs are well-developed and contain specific, detailed examples that support the argument.

Proficient - The body paragraphs contain topic sentences that somewhat relate to the thesis. The paragraphs are well-developed and contain examples that support the argument. The topic sentences or body paragraphs are somewhat underdeveloped.

Basic - The body paragraphs contain topic sentences that may not be clearly related to the thesis. The topic sentences and/or paragraphs are underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - The body paragraphs contain topic sentences that do not clearly support the thesis. The paragraphs are significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The body paragraphs and topic sentences are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The conclusion reaffirms the thesis statement and thoroughly summarizes the key ideas in the essay.

Proficient - The conclusion somewhat reaffirms the thesis statement, and the summary of key ideas is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - The conclusion does not fully reaffirm the thesis statement, and the summary of key ideas is underdeveloped. 

Below Expectations - The conclusion does not reaffirm the thesis statement, and the summary of key ideas is significantly underdeveloped. 

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

Distinguished - Applies original, detailed, and in-depth critical thought to analyze the primary source(s) while avoiding plot summary and personal reflection.

Proficient - Applies some original and in-depth critical thought to analyze the primary source(s) while avoiding plot summary and personal reflection. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Applies limited critical thought to analyze the primary source(s) and/or gives plot summary and/or personal reflection. Supporting points are not original or in-depth. Details are missing.

Below Expectations - Applies minimal critical thought to analyze the primary source(s) and/or relies mostly on plot summary and/or personal reflection. Supporting points are not original or detailed. Significant details are missing.

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

Distinguished - Smoothly incorporates research, including paraphrases and quotes from the primary and secondary sources.

Proficient - Incorporates research, including paraphrases and quotes from the primary and secondary sources. The research is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Incorporates research, including some paraphrases and quotes from the primary and secondary sources. The research is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Incorporates very little research and does not include paraphrases or quotes from the primary and secondary sources. The research is significantly underdeveloped.

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

Distinguished - Applies literary techniques and other course concepts to the chosen primary source(s). The application is slightly underdeveloped.

Proficient - Applies literary techniques and other course concepts to the chosen primary source(s). Minor details are missing. 

Basic - Partially applies literary techniques and other course concepts to the chosen primary source(s). The application is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to apply literary techniques and other course concepts to the chosen primary source(s); however, the application is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The application of literary techniques and other course concepts is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

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.

Distinguished - The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of correctly formatted pages.   

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

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Proficient - Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.

Below Expectations - Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.

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