Distinguished - Claims are supported by logical reasoning and credible evidence from at least the minimum number of sources required. Argument is fully developed, sound, and valid. 

Proficient - Most claims are supported by logical reasoning and/or credible evidence from the minimum number of sources required. Argument is developed, sound, and valid.

Basic - Many claims are supported by logical reasoning and/or credible evidence from an adequate number of sources. Argument is mostly developed and fairly sound and valid.

Below Expectations - Claims may not be supported by logical reasoning and/or credible evidence from appropriate sources. Argument is underdeveloped and not sound or valid.

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 - Document is organized, well-structured, and meets length requirements.

Proficient - Document shows some organization, is properly structured, and meets length requirements.

Basic - Document may have some organizational and structure issues and/or nearly meets the length requirement.

Below Expectations - Document is not well organized, lacks proper structure, and/or does not meet the length requirement.

Non-Performance - The structure and organization are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Written work shows improvement over the outline and rough draft. Prior feedback was clearly utilized, and appropriate revisions, edits, and proofreading are evident.

Proficient - Written work shows some improvement over prior work. Prior feedback may have been utilized, but some additional revisions, edits, and proofreading may be necessary.

Basic - Written work shows some attempt at improvement over prior work. Prior errors, mistakes, and issues may only be superficially addressed. The assignment would benefit from additional revision, editing, and proofreading. 

Below Expectations - Written work shows little or no improvement over prior work. Prior feedback may not have been utilized, and some prior errors, mistakes, and issues have not been addressed. The assignment shows partial or no revision, editing, and/or proofreading.

Non-Performance - The revision of work 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. An audience 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 audience. 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, and other elements are consistent with the required style guide.

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

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

Below Expectations - Font, margins, spacing, title block, headers, and other elements may 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.