Distinguished - Develops a three- to four-sentence paragraph completely highlighting skills which match a position of interest.

Proficient - Develops a three- to four-sentence paragraph mostly highlighting skills which match a position of interest.

Basic - Develops a three- to four-sentence paragraph minimally highlighting skills which match a position of interest.

Below Expectations - Develops a paragraph vaguely highlighting skills which match a position of interest. The cover letter is less than three sentences.

Non-Performance - The cover letter 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.