Distinguished - Claims are developed through logical reasoning and based on credible evidence from at least the minimum number of sources required. Argument is cohesive, complete, and answers the research question. 

Proficient - Most claims are developed through logical reasoning and/or based on credible evidence from the minimum number of sources required. Argument is fairly cohesive, complete, and relevant to the research question.

Basic - Many claims are developed through logical reasoning and/or based on credible evidence from an adequate number of sources. Argument is somewhat cohesive but may not be complete or focused on the research question.

Below Expectations - Few or no claims are developed through logical reasoning and/or based on credible evidence from an adequate number of sources. Argument is not cohesive and may not be aligned to the research question.

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

Distinguished - Voice is appropriate for the situation. Argument is tailored to an academic audience. 

Proficient - Academic voice is developing. Argument is appropriate for an academic audience.

Basic - Academic voice is emerging. Argument may be more appropriate for a non-academic audience.

Below Expectations - Academic voice is not apparent. Argument is not suited to an academic audience.

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

Distinguished - Outline is organized, well-structured, and meets length requirements.

Proficient - Outline shows some organization, is properly structured, and meets length requirements. Some revision may be required before moving on to the drafting stage.

Basic - Outline may have some organizational and structure issues but meets the length requirement. Revisions are suggested before moving on to the drafting stage.

Below Expectations - Outline is not well organized, lacks proper structure, and/or does not meet the length requirement. Revisions will be necessary before moving on to the drafting stage.

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

Distinguished - Written work appears to be original. Sources are expertly integrated and cited accurately. 

Proficient - Written work appears to be original. Sources are properly integrated and cited appropriately. Minor errors in citations exist.

Basic - Written work appears to be original. Sources are integrated with attempt at accurate citation. Relevant errors in citations exist.

Below Expectations - Written work appears to contain some unoriginal writing. Sources may be used without proper integration and/or citation.

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

Distinguished - Writing is clear, correct, and easy to read. A reader will have no trouble understanding this document.

Proficient - Writing is mostly clear, correct, and easy to read. Minor errors in mechanics and/or grammar may concern the reader. Additional proofreading may help correct mistakes.

Basic - Writing is readable but with errors. Mechanical and/or grammatical errors may undermine the appeal to ethos. Additional editing and proofreading can help correct these issues.

Below Expectations - Writing is somewhat readable but may have some significant mechanical and/or grammatical errors. The audience may have trouble understanding some passages. Improvement in writing skill, editing, and proofreading is needed.

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

Distinguished - Font, margins, spacing, title block, headers, alphanumeric format, and other elements are consistent with the required style guide.

Proficient - Font, margins, spacing, title block, headers, alphanumeric format, and other elements are nearly consistent with the required style guide. 

Basic - Font, margins, spacing, title block, headers, alphanumeric format, and other elements are not wholly consistent with the required style guide. Future improvement is needed.

Below Expectations - Font, margins, spacing, title block, headers, alphanumeric format, and other elements do not follow the required style guide. Significant improvement is needed.

Non-Performance - The page layout and formatting are nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.