Distinguished - Develops at least three high-quality research questions that are clearly open-ended and address an issue or solve a problem.

Proficient - Develops at least three focused research questions that are open-ended and address an issue or solve a problem.

Basic - Develops at least three research questions that are somewhat open-ended and somewhat address an issue or solve a problem.

Below Expectations - Develops fewer than three research questions, and/or all research questions do not meet the criteria of being open-ended or  addressing an issue or solving a problem.

Non-Performance - The research questions and completed Research Question Development Table are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides a research question that is completely suitable for use for the annotated bibliography requiring very little or no revision.

Proficient - Provides a research question that is suitable for use for the annotated bibliography after some minor revision.

Basic - Provides a research question for use for the annotated bibliography, but the research question will need revision in order to be suitable.

Below Expectations - Provides a research question for use for the annotated bibliography, but the research question will need significant revision in order to be suitable.

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

Distinguished - Thoughtfully and comprehensively explains the process of doing background research and developing a research question. The explanation is 150 to 200 words in length.

Proficient - Explains the process of doing background research and developing a research question, but minor details are missing. The explanation is 150 to 200 words in length.

Basic - Minimally explains the process of doing background research and developing a research question, and relevant details are missing. The explanation is 150 to 200 words in length.

Below Expectations - Attempts to explain the process of doing background research and developing a research question, but significant details are missing. The explanation may not meet the minimum word count.

Non-Performance - The explanation of the process of doing background research and developing a research question is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for a full understanding.

Proficient - Clearly explains the issue to be considered, delivering enough relevant information for an adequate understanding.

Basic - Briefly explains the issue to be considered, delivering minimal information for a basic understanding.

Below Expectations - Briefly explains the issue to be considered, but may not deliver additional information necessary for a basic understanding.

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