Distinguished - Thoroughly and comprehensively developed introduction and thesis statement, giving a clear direction and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - Clearly developed introduction and thesis statement, giving some direction and purpose of the paper.

Basic - Introduction and thesis statement are present, and somewhat give direction and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - Introduction and thesis statement are present, though incomplete.  The direction and purpose of the paper is unclear.

Non-Performance - The introduction and thesis statement are either non-existent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides at least five body paragraphs, supporting evidence and explanation to be included in the final paper.  The significance and importance of the ideas are included.

Proficient - Provides five body paragraphs with some supporting evidence and explanation to be included in the final paper.   The significance and importance of the ideas are included, but this area is not fully developed.

Basic - Provides some or all body paragraphs that do not contain developed supporting evidence, explanation and/or significance and importance of the ideas. 

Below Expectations - Provides some or all incomplete body paragraphs, which lack supporting evidence and explanation to be included in the final paper.  The significance and importance of the ideas are not included.  

Non-Performance - The body paragraphs are either non-existent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively developed conclusion that provides exceptional perspective on the key points presented in the essay. The thesis statement is restated in the concluding paragraph.

Proficient - Clearly developed conclusion that provides adequate perspective on the key points present in the essay. The thesis statement is restated in the concluding paragraph.

Basic - Somewhat developed conclusion that provides little perspective on the key points presented in the essay. The thesis statement may not be restated in the concluding paragraph.

Below Expectations - Conclusion is present, though incomplete, and provides insufficient perspective on the key points presented in the essay. The thesis statement is not restated in the concluding paragraph.

Non-Performance - The conclusion is either non-existent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides ample resources and uses the correct amount of sources from the specified search agent.

Proficient - Provides the approximate number of sources, while using some of the correct search agents specified in the assignment instructions.

Basic - Provides over half of the  sources required in the assignment instructions.

Below Expectations - Barely provides adequate resources and unable to include sources from specified search agent.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either non-existent or lacks the reference requirement components described in the 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 - 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.

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.