Untitled Document

Activity	Exemplary	Proficient	Partially Proficient	Incomplete
Introduction	The introduction presents the overall topic and draws the audience into the presentation with compelling questions or by relating to the audience's interests or goals.	The introduction is clear and coherent and relates to the topic.	The introduction shows some structure but does not create a strong sense of what is to follow. May be overly detailed or incomplete and is only somewhat appealing to the audience.	The introduction does not orient the audience to what will follow. The sequencing is unclear and does not appear interesting or relevant to the audience.
Content	The content is written clearly and concisely with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information. The essay includes motivating viewpoints and advanced organizers that provide the audience with sense of the essay's main idea(s). The information is accurate, current and comes from primary sources.	The content is written with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information. Includes persuasive information from primary sources.	The content is vague in conveying a point of view and does not create a strong sense of purpose. Includes some persuasive information with few facts. Some of the information may not seem to fit or is missing. Primary source use is not always clear.	The content lacks a clear point of view and logical sequence of information. Includes little persuasive information and only one or two facts about the topic. Information is incomplete, and/or incorrect. Sequencing of ideas is unclear. Primary source use is not clear.
Text Elements	The text is appropriate in length for the assignment and to the point.	Sometimes the paragraphs are too long and or too short and the essay is over or under the word count.	Overall readability is difficult with lengthy or choppy paragraphs.	The text is extremely difficult to read with blocks of text that are too longor too short.
Layout	The layout is aesthetically pleasing and contributes to the overall message with appropriate use of headings and subheadings and white space.	The layout uses horizontal and vertical white space appropriately.	The layout shows some structure, but appears cluttered and busy or distracting with large gaps of white space or uses a distracting background.	The layout is cluttered, confusing, and does not use spacing, headings and subheadings to enhance the readability.
Work Cited	Sources of information are properly cited so that the audience can determine the credibility and authority of the information presented. All sources of information are clearly identified and credited using APA citations throughout the essay..	Most sources of information use proper APA citation, and sources are documented to make it possible to check on the accuracy of information.	Sometimes copyright guidelines are followed and some information, does not use proper APA citations.	No way to check validity of information.
Writing Mechanics	The text is written with no errors in grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.	The text is clearly written with little or no editing required for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.	Spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors distract or impair readability.	Errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, usage and grammar repeatedly distract the reader and major editing and revision is required.
Teamwork	The group documents how members brainstormed, discussed, assumed roles and solved problems. Provides evidence that group members helped one another, shared ideas, developed and evaluated their finished product(s). The project is clearly a group effort.	The group documents how members divided tasks, shared the workload and managed problems in a way that advanced the group goal.	The group occasionally helped one another but required teacher assistance to resolve differences. One-person documents that he/she did most of the work and/or problems were not managed in a way that advanced the group goal.	The group required teacher assistance with dividing tasks and resolving differences. Few people contributed their fair share of work.