Distinguished - Identifies and clearly delineates three or more aspects of the effectiveness of humor.

Proficient - Identifies and delineates three aspects of the effectiveness of humor. One aspect is slightly unclear in its delineation.

Basic - Identifies and delineates at least two aspects of the effectiveness of humor. One aspect is unclear in their delineation.

Below Expectations - Identifies and attempts to delineate three aspects of the effectiveness of humor; however, at least two aspects are entirely unclear in their delineation.

Non-Performance - The identification and delineation of three or more aspects of the effectiveness of humor are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Identifies and clearly describes at least three risks of humor use.

Proficient - Identifies and describes at least three risks of humor use. One description is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Identifies and describes at least two risks of humor use. One description is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Identifies and attempts to describe three risks of humor use; however, one or more descriptions are significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The identification and description of risks of humor use are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Identifies three or more theories of persuasion, and comprehensively delineates, in their context, how the technique of humor can support or limit the effectiveness of persuasion.

Proficient - Identifies three theories of persuasion, and delineates how the technique of humor can support or limit the effectiveness of persuasion. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Identifies three theories of persuasion, and partially delineates how the technique of humor can support or limit the effectiveness of persuasion. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Identifies less than three theories of persuasion, and attempts to delineate how the technique of humor can support or limit the effectiveness of persuasion; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The identification of theories of persuasion and delineation of how the technique of humor can support or limit the effectiveness of persuasion are either nonexistent or lack 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 - Conclusions and related outcomes are logical and clearly reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Proficient - Conclusions and related outcomes are logical and reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Basic - Conclusions and related outcomes are identified and minimally reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Below Expectations - Conclusions and related outcomes are not logical or reflective of an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

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.