Distinguished - Clearly and states the research project’s major claim.

Proficient - States the research project’s major claim; minor details are missing.

Basic - States the research project’s major claim; relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to state the research project’s major claim; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - Does not attempt to state the research project’s major claim.

Distinguished - Thoroughly gives the most important reasons and evidence for the claim.

Proficient - Gives the most important reasons and evidence for the claim. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Gives some reasons and evidence for the claim. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to gives reasons and evidence for the claim; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - Does not attempt to gives reasons and evidence for the claim.

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.