Distinguished - Composes a clear thesis statement that is well-developed.

Proficient - Composes a clear thesis statement. The thesis statement is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Composes a thesis statement. The thesis statement is unclear and underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to compose a thesis statement; however, the thesis statement is significantly unclear and underdeveloped.

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

Distinguished - Develops at least five comprehensive body paragraphs with supporting evidence and explanations.

Proficient - Develops at least five body paragraphs with supporting evidence and explanations. The body paragraphs are slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Develops at least four limited body paragraphs with supporting evidence and limited explanations. The body paragraphs are underdeveloped. 

Below Expectations - Develops fewer than four body paragraphs and does not include supporting evidence and explanations. The body paragraphs are significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The development of at least five body paragraphs with supporting evidence and explanations is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly rephrases the thesis statement in a well-written concluding paragraph.

Proficient - Rephrases the thesis statement in a concluding paragraph. Lack of clarity minimally impacts understanding.  

Basic - Vaguely rephrases the thesis statement in a concluding paragraph. Lack of clarity moderately impacts understanding. 

Below Expectations - Attempts to rephrase the thesis statement in the concluding paragraph; however, lack of clarity significantly impacts understanding.  

Non-Performance - The rephrasing of the thesis statement in a concluding paragraph is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment 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 - 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.