Distinguished - Provides a comprehensive description of the social problem. The description of the social problem is fully supported with accurate research data.

Proficient - Provides a description of the social problem. The description of the social problem is mostly supported with accurate research data.

Basic - Provides a rudimentary description of the social problem. The description of the social problem is somewhat supported with research data.

Below Expectations - Attempts describe the social problem; however, the description of the social problem is underdeveloped, vague, or not well supported with research data.

Non-Performance - The description of the problem and social implications are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides a thorough outline, incorporating all components identified in the final paper instructions. All major components are clearly related to the chosen problem.

Proficient - Provides an outline incorporating all components identified in the final paper instructions. Most major components of the topic are related to the chosen problem.

Basic - Provides an outline incorporating many components identified in the final paper instructions. Some components of the topic may not be closely related to the chosen problem.

Below Expectations - The outline is either missing significant components identified in the final paper instructions or significant components of the topic are not related to the chosen problem.

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

Distinguished - Clearly summarizes the required number of scholarly references. The described references visibly relate to the chosen problem.

Proficient - Summarizes the required number of scholarly references. The described references appear to relate generally to the chosen problem.

Basic - Identifies the required number of scholarly references. The identified references appear to relate to the chosen problem, but do not have sufficient annotations to describe their contents.

Below Expectations - Identifies fewer than the required number of scholarly references, and may identify references that are not scholarly. A clear relation of the references to the problem is not present.

Non-Performance - The annotation of sources is either nonexistent, entirely unscholarly, or otherwise inapplicable to the assignment.

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

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

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

Below Expectations - Briefly recognizes 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 - 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 is 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 - The paper meets the specific page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Proficient - The paper closely meets the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Basic - The paper meets over half of the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Below Expectations - A fraction of the page requirement is completed.

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