Exemplary 22.5-25 points	Proficient 20-22.25 points	Developing 17.5-19.75 points	Beginning 15-17.25 points	Not Yet 0-14.75 points
Comprehension of Assignment (50% of grade)	Drop-down menu: 25 – 23 pts. The assignment presents specific, clear and debatable questions that narrow each topic and provide focus for research.	Drop down menu: 22– 20 pts. Questions are mostly specific, clear, and debatable. Focus for research is suggested by the majority of the questions.	Drop-down menu: 19 – 18 pts. Some questions are specific, clear, and debatable; however, other questions may be vague or too broad.	Drop-down menu: 17 – 15 pts. Few questions are specific, clear, or debatable. Several questions may be easily answered with facts, statistics, or opinion.	Drop-down menu: 14 – 0 pts. The majority of questions are ineffective in suggesting a focus for research.
Application of Course Knowledge and Content (10% of grade)	Drop-down menu: 10-9 pts. Three topics of the student’s own are included.	--	Drop-down menu: 8 pts. Two of the student’s own topics are included.	Drop-down menu: 7 pts. One of the student’s own topics is included.	Drop-down menu: 5 – 0 pts. None of the student’s own topics have been included.
Writing Skills (40% of grade)	Drop-down menu: 15-14 pts. Word choice is precise, sentences are varied, and grammatical errors are rare or absent.	Drop down menu: 13-12 pts. Word choice is appropriate and sentences are sometimes varied. Some errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics are present.	Drop-down menu: 11 pts. Word choice is imprecise and sentences may be poorly constructed or confusing. Errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics are present.	Drop-down menu: 10-9 pts. A pattern of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics significantly interferes with meaning.	Drop-down menu:8 – 0 pts. Errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics are pervasive and obstruct meaning.

Total: 50 pts.