Distinguished - Thoroughly and comprehensively developed introduction and thesis statement, giving a clear direction and purpose to the paper.

Proficient - Clearly developed introduction and thesis statement, giving some direction and purpose to the paper.

Basic - Introduction and thesis statement are present, and somewhat give direction and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - Introduction and thesis statement are present, though incomplete. The direction and purpose of the paper is unclear.

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

Distinguished - Provides at least five body paragraphs, supporting evidence and explanation to be included in the final paper. The significance and importance of the ideas are included.

Proficient - Provides five body paragraphs with some supporting evidence and explanation to be included in the final paper. The significance and importance of the ideas are included, but this area is not fully developed.

Basic - Provides some or all body paragraphs that do not contain developed supporting evidence, explanation and/or significance and importance of the ideas.

Below Expectations - Provides some or all incomplete body paragraphs, which lack supporting evidence and explanation to be included in the final paper. The significance and importance of the ideas are not included.

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

Distinguished - Comprehensively developed conclusion that provides exceptional perspective on the key points presented in the essay. The thesis statement is restated in the concluding paragraph.

Proficient - Clearly developed conclusion that provides adequate perspective on the key points present in the essay. The thesis statement is restated in the concluding paragraph.

Basic - Somewhat developed conclusion that provides little perspective on the key points presented in the essay. The thesis statement may not be restated in the concluding paragraph.

Below Expectations - Conclusion is present, though incomplete, and provides insufficient perspective on the key points presented in the essay. The thesis statement is not restated in the concluding paragraph.

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

Distinguished - Provides ample resources and uses the correct amount of sources from the specified search agent.

Proficient - Provides the approximate number of sources, while using some of the correct search agents specified in the assignment instructions.

Basic - Provides over half of the sources required in the assignment instructions.

Below Expectations - Barely provides adequate resources and unable to include sources from specified search agent.

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

Distinguished - Employs persuasive information from credible sources to develop an ample analysis or synthesis of the topic. Viewpoints of experts are scrutinized thoroughly.

Proficient - Employs applicable information from credible sources to develop an analysis of the topic.

Basic - Identifies applicable information from credible sources, but may neglect the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic.

Below Expectations - Displays information from external sources, but such information may lack credibility and/or relevance. Neglects the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic.

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.