Distinguished - Cohesively and clearly describes the topic of the research paper in relationship to academic and professional pursuits.

Proficient - Adequately describes the topic of the research paper in relationship to academic and professional pursuits.

Basic - Briefly describes the topic of the research paper in relationship to academic and professional pursuits. The description is somewhat incomplete.

Below Expectations - Attempts to describe the topic of the research paper; however, the description is unclear or lacks relevance to academic and professional pursuits.

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

Distinguished - Thesis statement is skillfully developed and thoroughly prepares the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - Thesis statement is mostly developed, and adequately prepares the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Basic - Thesis statement is present, and loosely prepares the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - Thesis statement is present, though somewhat incomplete. It does not adequately prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

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

Distinguished - Clearly summarizes the required number of scholarly references, in addition to the text. The described references visibly relate to the stated thesis or central argument. References are appropriately selected, correctly cited in APA format, and clearly relevant to the assignment.

Proficient - Summarizes the required number of scholarly references, in addition to the text. The described references appear to relate generally to the stated thesis or central argument. References are appropriately selected, cited in APA format, and relevant to the assignment.

Basic - Identifies the required number of scholarly references, in addition to the text. The identified references appear to relate to the stated thesis or central argument, but do not have sufficient annotations to describe their contents. References are appropriately selected and somewhat relevant to the assignment. To some extent, citations may not correct conform to APA formatting requirements.

Below Expectations - Identifies fewer than the required number of scholarly references, and may identify references that are not scholarly. References are not appropriately selected, and may be irrelevant to the assignment. Citations are inaccurate and do meet APA formatting requirements.

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

Distinguished - Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Proficient - Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Basic - Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident, but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Below Expectations - Organization and presentation of content is extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.

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

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for full understanding.

Proficient - Clearly explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering enough relevant information for an adequate understanding.

Basic - Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, delivering minimal information for a basic understanding.

Below Expectations - Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, but may not deliver additional information necessary for a basic understanding.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the 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.