Distinguished - Presents a clear main argument for the thesis in standard form. The main argument contains no errors of logic.

Proficient - Presents a main argument for the thesis in standard form. The main argument contains few errors in clarity or logic.

Basic - Presents a main argument for the thesis. The main argument contains some errors in clarity or logic and/or is not in standard form.

Below Expectations - Attempts to present a main argument for the thesis; however, the main argument contains many errors in clarity or logic and is not in standard form.

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

Distinguished - Provides support for all premises of the argument by comprehensively explaining the meaning of each premise and supporting evidence. The supporting evidence provides clear and appropriate reasons for thinking each premise is true.

Proficient - Provides support for all premises of the argument by explaining the meaning of each premise and supporting evidence. The supporting evidence provides appropriate reasons for thinking each premise is true. Minor details are missing or unclear.

Basic -  Provides support for most premises of the argument by partially explaining the meaning of each premise and supporting evidence. The supporting evidence provides somewhat appropriate reasons for thinking each premise is true. Relevant details are missing and/or unclear.

Below Expectations - Attempts to provide support for all premises of the argument; however, does not explain the meaning of each premise and supporting evidence. The supporting evidence does not provide appropriate reasons for thinking each premise is true, and significant details are missing and entirely unclear.

Non-Performance - The supporting evidence for the premises of the argument is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains how the conclusion of the counterargument follows from the premises. 

Proficient - Explains explains how the conclusion of the counterargument follows from the premises. Minor details are missing or slightly unclear.

Basic - Partially explains how the conclusion of the counterargument follows from the premises. Relevant details are missing and/or unclear.

Below Expectations - Attempts to explain how the conclusion of the counterargument follows from the premises; however, significant details are missing and entirely unclear.

Non-Performance - The explanation of how the conclusion of the argument follows from its premises 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 - The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of words.

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of words.

Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of words.

Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of words.   

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.