Developing
Competent
Exemplary
Includes all required Elements (e.g., title, summary, background, topic area, anything new, change required, conclusion)
(4 points)
Has some but not all elements discussed
(1-1.5 points)
Has all elements but some more clearly discussed than others
(2-3.5 points)
Has all elements and all are clearly discussed
(4 points)
Writing is easy to understand, and main argument points are well presented
(4 points)
Hard to grasp what the topic is about, discussion is hap-hazard and hard to follow
(1-1.5 points)
Topic is well articulated, and discussion is easy to follow
(2-3.5 points)
Topic is very well articulated, and discussion makes the reader think/conclude that the author may be correct
(4 points)
Flow from one element to the next
(4 points)
Some flow but inconsistent from one topic to the next
(1-1.5 points)
Flow makes sense and is straightforward, with some good transition statements
(2-3.5 points)
Flow from one area to the next is seamless with great transition statements
(4 points)
Argument is succinct
(4 points)
Somewhat of an argument but not well supported by referenced works
(1-1.5 points)
Argument follows a standard format and is well supported by referenced works
(2-3.5 points)
Argument stands on its own and draws to a logical conclusion, and is exceedingly well supported by referenced works
(4 points)
APA
(4 points)
Some adherence to APA formatting but errors are still present
(1-1.5 points)
Adherence to APA formatting with only one or two minor errors
(2-3.5 points)
Adherence to APA formatting with no errors
(4 points)