Distinguished - The introduction and thesis are skillfully developed, and they thoroughly prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the draft paper.

Proficient - The introduction and thesis are mostly developed, and they adequately prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the draft paper.

Basic - The introduction and thesis are present, and they vaguely prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the draft paper.

Below Expectations - An introduction and thesis are present, but they are somewhat incomplete. They do not prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the draft paper, and may seem slightly unrelated to the topic of the paper.

Non-Performance - The introduction and thesis statement are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The body paragraphs contain relevant and compelling statements and examples that directly support and strengthen the thesis statement. The body paragraphs include the information provided from the Week Two assignment.

Proficient - The body paragraphs contain relevant statements and examples that sufficiently support the thesis statement. The body paragraphs include the information provided from the Week Two assignment.

Basic - The body paragraphs contain relevant statements and examples that partially support the thesis statement. The body paragraphs include the information provided from the Week Two assignment.

Below Expectations - The body paragraphs contain statements and examples that do not clearly relate to the thesis statement. The body paragraphs may include the information provided from the Week Two assignment.

Non-Performance - The body paragraphs are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The conclusion is skillfully developed and thoroughly summarizes the research, content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - The conclusion is mostly developed, and adequately summarizes the research, content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Basic - The conclusion is present, and loosely summarizes the research, content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - The conclusion is present, though somewhat incomplete. It does not adequately summarize the research, content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

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

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for a 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 - Demonstrates consistent use of reliable, appropriate sources and/or evidence to support ideas that are situated within the discipline and genre of the writing.

Proficient - Demonstrates mostly consistent use of reliable sources that are appropriate to the discipline and genre of the writing. Sources offer some support to the ideas in the writing.

Basic - Demonstrates somewhat inconsistent use of sources that are mostly reliable to the discipline and genre of the writing. Sources offer very little support to the ideas in the writing.

Below Expectations - Inconsistently utilizes sources and/or evidence in the writing. Such sources/evidence may also be unrelated, offering no support to the ideas in the writing.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the 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 - 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 - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, 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 length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

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

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Proficient - Uses required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.

Below Expectations - Uses inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.

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