Distinguished - Identifies an entirely clear and specific thesis or central argument for the Final Research Paper. 

Proficient - Identifies a clear, but somewhat generic, thesis or central argument for the Final Research Paper. 

Basic - Identifies a mostly clear, but generic, thesis or central argument for the Final Research Paper. 

Below Expectations - Identifies a vague thesis or central argument for the Final Research Paper. 

Non-Performance - The thesis statement or central argument for the Final Research Paper is either non existent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions. 

Distinguished - Thoroughly addresses each of the five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper. All points are fully supported.

Proficient - Addresses each of the five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper. All points are supported, but one of the main points is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Addresses each of the five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper. Two or three of the main points are underdeveloped, and/or some of the references are not relevant.

Below Expectations - Attempts to address each of the five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper. However, all of the main points are underdeveloped or not supported.

Non-Performance - The five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper are either nonexistent or lack the components listed in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately constructs the outline according to the outline template. 

Proficient - Constructs the outline according to the outline template. The format of the outline might be slightly inaccurate. 

Basic - Constructs outline the outline somewhat according to the outline template. The format of the outline is inaccurate.  

Below Expectations - Attempts to construct the outline according to the outline template; however, the format of the outline is completely inaccurate.  

Non-Performance - The outline is either nonexistent or is not structured according to the outline template.

Distinguished - Identifies at least one reference for each of the five main points. All of the identified references clearly relate to the thesis or central argument. 

Proficient - Identifies at least one reference for each of the five main points. Most of the identified references relate to the thesis or central argument. 

Basic - Identifies at least one reference for each of the five main points. Some of the identified references relate to the thesis or central argument.

Below Expectations - Identifies less than one reference for each of the five main points, or the identified references do not relate directly to the thesis or central argument.

Non-Performance - The references for each of the five main points are either nonexistent, entirely unscholarly, or are not structured according to the assignment requirements.

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.