Distinguished - Formulates a compelling summary lead that is concise, engaging, and that includes at least three of the five W’s.

Proficient - Formulates a summary lead that is concise, engaging, and that includes at least three of the five W’s.

Basic - Formulates a summary lead that includes at least three of the five W’s, but is too wordy and does not engage the audience.

Below Expectations - Formulates a summary lead that answers fewer than three of the five W’s, is not concise and does not engage the audience.

Non-Performance - The formulation of a summary lead that is concise, engaging, and answers at least three of the five W’s is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly examines various perspectives gathered from CQ Researcher utilizing quotes and attributions.

Proficient - Examines various perspectives gathered from CQ Researcher utilizing quotes and attributions. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Minimally examines various perspectives gathered from CQ Researcher utilizing some quotes and attributions. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to examine various perspectives gathered from CQ Researcher utilizing quotes and attributions; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The examination of various perspectives gathered from CQ Researcher utilizing quotes and attributions is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Coherently organizes the story by creating logical connections and using highly appropriate transitions throughout the story.

Proficient - Organizes the story by creating logical connections and using appropriate transitions throughout the story.

Basic - Vaguely organizes the story by creating somewhat logical connections and using some transitions throughout the story.

Below Expectations - Organizes the story by attempting to create logical connections and using some transitions throughout the story; however, the connections and transitions are not appropriate. 

Non-Performance - The organization of the story by creating logical connections and using transitions throughout the story is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Uses an exceptional graphic image that aligns with the story.

Proficient - Uses an appropriate graphic image that aligns with the story.

Basic - Uses a basic graphic image that somewhat aligns with the story.

Below Expectations - Uses a graphic image that does not align with the story.

Non-Performance - The use of a graphic image that aligns with the story 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 AP formatting consistently throughout the paper.

Proficient - Exhibits AP formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors.

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

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of AP formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as AP.

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