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 - References within the annotated bibliography are appropriately selected, correctly cited, and clearly relevant to the assignment, according to the description provided.

Proficient - References within the annotated bibliography are appropriately selected, cited, and relevant to the assignment, according to the description provided.

Basic - References within the annotated bibliography are appropriately selected and somewhat relevant to the assignment, according to the description provided.

Below Expectations - References within the annotated bibliography are not appropriately selected, and may be irrelevant to the assignment, according to the description provided.

Non-Performance - The annotated bibliography is either non-existent 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 - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors, which may slightly 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 and reference page.

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

Basic - Exhibits basic 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 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.