Distinguished - The introduction frames the paper well and includes a firm and succinct thesis statement at the end of the paragraph. Thesis concerns one specific idea and expertly argues a position.

Proficient - The introduction frames the paper well and includes a thesis statement at the end of the paragraph. Thesis statement needed to be more succinct and/or include more details.

Basic - The introduction frames the paper adequately. An adequate thesis statement is included at the end of the paragraph, needed to be more succinct, detailed, and/or clear.

Below Expectations - The introductory paragraph does not frame the paper adequately. A thesis development is attempted, but the thesis is either vague or confusing. The topic is specified, but thesis may identify more than one major idea, neglects to argue a position on the topic, or does not narrow the focus beyond the general topic.

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

Distinguished - Utilizes at least five scholarly sources including at least one primary source and correctly identifies each source as a primary or a secondary source.

Proficient - Utilizes five scholarly sources including at least one primary source. A few of the academic sources may be of limited value to the thesis. Correctly identifies a majority of sources as primary or secondary sources.

Basic - Uses less than five scholarly sources or does not include a primary source.  Some of the sources do not meet academic standards. Correctly identifies a majority of the sources as primary or secondary sources.

Below Expectations - Uses less than five scholarly sources or does not include a primary source. A majority of sources do not meet academic standards or are unrelated to the thesis. Either incorrectly identifies the majority of sources as either primary or secondary sources or does not identify sources.

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

Distinguished - The annotations provide thorough and accurate descriptions of either the main focus of the source (if a primary source) or the thesis (if a secondary source). Includes comprehensive explanations of how the sources will contribute to the Final Paper.

Proficient - The annotations provide descriptions of either the main focus of the source (if a primary source) or the thesis (if a secondary source). Includes explanations of how the sources will contribute to the Final Paper. Minor details are missing and/or inaccurate.

Basic - The annotations provide limited descriptions of either the main focus of the source (if a primary source) or the thesis (if a secondary source) for the majority of sources used. Includes limited explanations of how the sources will contribute to the Final Paper for a majority of sources used. Relevant details are missing and/or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - The annotations attempt to provide a description of either the main focus of the source (if a primary source), the thesis (if a secondary source), and explanations of how the sources will contribute to the Final Paper for a majority of sources used; however, significant details are missing and/or inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The annotations are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Develops a thorough outline that meets or exceeds the requirements laid out in the instructions, and will serve as the basis of organization of the Final Paper.

Proficient - Develops an outline that meets the requirements laid out in the instructions. It will serve as the basis of organization of the Final Paper with slight changes or additions.

Basic - Develops a limited outline that meets some of the requirements laid out in the instructions; however, the outline is not organized effectively and will need to be revised in order to serve as the basis of organization of the Final Paper.

Below Expectations - Attempts to develop an outline that meets the requirements laid out in the instructions; however, the outline contains severe organizational issues that will hinder its use as the basis of organization for the Final Paper.

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

Distinguished - Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Proficient - Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Basic - Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Below Expectations - Organization and presentation of content are extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.

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 appropriate formatting and citation consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits proper formatting and citation throughout the paper. However, a few minor errors in either formatting or citation are present.

Basic - Exhibits limited knowledge of appropriate formatting and citation throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all formatting requirements.

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of appropriate formatting and citation. There are frequent errors in either format or citation.

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