This document outlines the grading criteria for several components of a research paper, including the introduction, thesis statement, annotated bibliography, use of evidence, writing mechanics, APA formatting, and word count. Each component is graded on a scale from Distinguished to Non-Performance based on how thoroughly, clearly, and accurately the student completed the component.

1. Introduction to Topic
Total: 2.00
Distinguished - Clearly explains the topic, the importance of
further research, ethical implications, and how it clearly relates
to one’s academic and professional pursuits. Thoroughly
informs the reader of the rationale behind the topic.
Proficient - Explains the topic, the importance of further
research, ethical implications, and how it relates to one’s
academic and professional pursuits. Informs the reader of the
rationale behind the topic. Minor details are missing or the
relationship to academic and professional pursuits is slightly
unclear.
Basic - Somewhat explains the topic, the importance of further
research, ethical implications, and how it relates to one’s
academic and professional pursuits. Partially informs the reader
of the rationale behind the topic. Relevant details are missing
and/or the relationship to academic and professional pursuits is
unclear.
Below Expectations - Attempts to explain the topic of the
research paper, the importance of further research, ethical
implications, and how it relates to one’s academic and
professional pursuits; however, does not inform the reader of
the rationale behind the topic, significant details are missing,
and the relationship to academic and professional pursuits is
entirely unclear.
Non-Performance - The introduction to the research paper topic
is either non-existent or lacks the components described in the
assignment instructions.
Thesis Statement
Total: 2.00
Distinguished - Provides a developed thesis statement that
thoroughly prepares the reader for the content, direction, and
purpose of the paper.

2. Proficient - Provides a thesis statement that prepares the reader
for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper. The thesis
statement is slightly underdeveloped.
Basic - Provides a limited thesis statement that somewhat
prepares the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the
paper. The thesis statement is underdeveloped.
Below Expectations - Attempts to provide a thesis statement;
however, it does not prepare the reader for the content,
direction, and purpose of the paper. The thesis statement is
significantly underdeveloped.
Non-Performance - The thesis statement is either non-existent
or lacks the components described in the assignment
instructions.
Annotated Bibliography
Total: 4.00
Distinguished - Thoroughly summarizes at least five scholarly
sources and comprehensively explains how each is relevant to
the topic of the Final Research Project. The sources clearly
support the thesis statement. Each annotation is at least 150
words in length.
Proficient - Summarizes five scholarly sources and explains
how each is relevant to the topic of the Final Research Project.
The sources support the thesis statement, and most of the
annotations meet the 150 word requirement. Minor details are
missing or slightly unclear.
Basic - Summarizes at least five scholarly sources and partially
explains how each is relevant to the topic of the Final Research
Project. The sources vaguely support the thesis statement,
and/or some of the annotations meet the 150 word requirement.
Relevant details are missing and/or unclear.
Below Expectations - Attempts to summarize at least four
scholarly references and explain how each source is relevant to
the topic of the Final Research Project; however, the sources
may not support the thesis statement, the annotations do not
meet the 150 word requirement, and significant details are

3. missing and entirely unclear.
Non-Performance - The annotated bibliography is either non-
existent or lacks the components described in the assignment
instructions.
Critical Thinking: Interpretation of Evidence
Total: 0.50
Distinguished - Interprets evidence used to support various
positions. The interpretation is accurate, objective, clear, and
thorough.
Proficient - Interprets evidence used to support various
positions. The interpretation exhibits minor flaws in accuracy,
objectivity, clarity, and/or thoroughness.
Basic - Interprets evidence used to support a tenable position.
The interpretation lacks objectivity, clarity or thoroughness and
may have minor flaws regarding accuracy.
Below Expectations - Attempts to interpret evidence that is used
to support a position. The interpretation has substantial flaws
regarding accuracy, objectivity, clarity and thoroughness and/or
the position is not plausible within the field of study.
Non-Performance - Does not interpret evidence that is used to
support positions.
Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics
Total: 0.50
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.

4. 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.
Written Communication: APA Formatting
Total: 0.50
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 limited 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.
Word Requirement
Total: 0.50
Distinguished - The paper is at least 1,000 words in length,
excluding the title page and reference page(s).
Proficient - The paper closely meets the word requirement,
excluding title page and reference page(s).
Basic - The paper meets over half of the word requirement,
excluding title page and reference page(s).
Below Expectations - A fraction of the word requirement is
completed.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the assignment instructions