Distinguished - Clearly defines at least two ethical theories.

Proficient - Defines at least two ethical theories, but some minor aspects are missing.

Basic - Minimally defines two ethical theories, or provides a comprehensive definition of only one ethical theory.

Below Expectations - Provides a partial definition of only one ethical theory.

Non-Performance - The definitions of two ethical theories are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Identifies and thoroughly describes the impact that ethical practices have on persuasion.

Proficient - Identifies and describes the impact that ethical practices have on persuasion. The description is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Identifies and partially describes the impact that ethical practices have on persuasion. The description is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Identifies and attempts to describe the impact ethical practices have on persuasion; however, the description is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The identification and description of the impact of ethical practices on persuasion is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides an example that clearly and effectively illustrates the viewpoints.

Proficient - Provides an example that sufficiently illustrates the viewpoints. The example is effective and mostly appropriate.

Basic - Provides an example that minimally illustrates the viewpoints. The example is slightly ineffective or not entirely appropriate.

Below Expectations - Attempts to provide an example that illustrates the viewpoints; however, the example is ineffective and/or inappropriate.

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

Distinguished - States and describes the theory and accurately explains the details of the theory used.

Proficient - States and describes the theory and explain the details of the theory, but with some inaccuracies.

Basic - States and describes the major theory used.

Below Expectations - Only states the major theory used.

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

Distinguished - Clearly evaluates own and others' assumptions and carefully determines the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.

Proficient - Evaluates own and others' assumptions and determines the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.

Basic - Evaluates many assumptions and identifies the importance of contexts when presenting a position.

Below Expectations - Evaluates some assumptions, although the evaluation is incomplete. May inadequately identify the importance of contexts when presenting a position.

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.

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.