Distinguished - Clearly and accurately states a thesis statement on a topic and thoroughly addresses all parts of step 1.

Proficient - States a thesis statement on a topic and addresses all parts of step 1. Minor details are missing, slightly unclear, or inaccurate.

Basic - Vaguely states a thesis statement on a topic and minimally addresses all parts of step 1. Relevant details are missing, unclear, and/or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Attempts to state a thesis statement on a topic and address all parts of step 1; however, significant details are missing, unclear and inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The thesis statement on a topic and all parts of step 1 are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and accurately presents the main reason(s) in favor of the thesis in standard form and thoroughly addresses all parts of step 2.

Proficient - Presents the main reason(s) in favor of the thesis in standard form and addresses all parts of step 2. Minor details are missing, slightly unclear, or underdeveloped.

Basic - Vaguely presents the main reason(s) in favor of the thesis in standard form and minimally addresses all parts of step 2. Relevant details are missing, unclear, and/or underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to present the main reason(s) in favor of the thesis in standard form and address all parts of step 2; however, significant details are missing, unclear, and underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The main reason(s) in favor of the thesis in standard form and all parts of step 2 are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and accurately states the new premise(s) needed to make the argument valid, and thoroughly addresses all parts of step 3.

Proficient - States the new premise(s) intended to make the argument valid and addresses all parts of step 3. Minor details are missing, slightly unclear, or inaccurate.

Basic - Vaguely states the new premise(s) intended to make the argument valid and minimally addresses all parts of step 3. Relevant details are missing, unclear, and/or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Attempts to state the new premise(s) intended to make the argument valid and address all parts of step 3; however, significant details are missing, unclear and inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The new premise(s) needed to make the argument valid and all parts of step 3 are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly discusses whether the new premise is true and comprehensively addresses all parts of step 4.

Proficient - Discusses whether the new premise is true and addresses all parts of step 4. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Vaguely discusses whether the new premise is true and minimally addresses all parts of step 4. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to discuss whether the new premise is true and address parts of step 4; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The discussion of whether the new premise is true and all parts of step 4 are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and accurately states the new version of the argument in standard form.

Proficient - States the new version of the argument in standard form. Minor details are missing, slightly unclear, or inaccurate.

Basic - Vaguely states the new version of the argument in standard form. Relevant details are missing, unclear, and/or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Attempts to state the new version of the argument in standard form; however, significant details are missing, unclear and inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The statement of the new version of the argument in standard form is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly discusses whether the new argument is deductively valid and whether the premises are true.

Proficient - Discusses whether the new argument is deductively valid and whether the premises are true. Minor details are missing.

Basic – Minimally discusses whether the new argument is deductively valid and whether the premises are true. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to discuss whether the new argument is deductively valid and whether the premises are true; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The discussion of whether the new argument is deductively valid and whether the premises are true is either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and accurately presents an objection to the argument and thoroughly addresses all parts of step 7.

Proficient - Presents an objection to the argument and addresses all parts of step 7. Minor details are missing, slightly unclear, or inaccurate.

Basic - Vaguely presents an objection to the argument and minimally addresses all parts of step 7. Relevant details are missing, unclear, and/or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Attempts to present an objection to the argument and address all parts of step 7; however, significant details are missing, unclear, and inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The objection to the argument and all parts of step 7 are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment 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.