Distinguished - Introduction and thesis are skillfully developed and thoroughly prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the draft paper.

Proficient - Introduction and thesis are mostly developed and adequately prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the draft paper.

Basic - Introduction and thesis are present and vaguely prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the draft paper.

Below Expectations - An introduction is present, but is somewhat incomplete. It does not prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the draft paper and may seem slightly unrelated to the topic of the paper.

Non-Performance - The draft is either nonexistent or lacks an introduction.

Distinguished - Body paragraphs contain relevant and compelling statements and examples that directly support and strengthen the thesis statement. Specific ideas and the direction of the final draft are clearly stated.

Proficient - Body paragraphs contain relevant statements and examples that support the thesis statement. Specific ideas and the direction of the final draft are stated. Minor details regarding the direction of the final draft are somewhat unclear.

Basic - Body paragraphs contain statements and examples that partially support the thesis statement. Specific ideas and the direction of the final draft are minimally stated and/or unclear.

Below Expectations - Body paragraphs contain statements and examples that do not clearly relate to the thesis statement. Specific ideas and the direction of the final draft are not stated or are very unclear.

Non-Performance - The draft is either nonexistent or completely lacks body paragraphs.

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 basic 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 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.