Distinguished - Thoroughly describes chosen research topic, and comprehensively explains how it relates to one’s major.

Proficient - Describes chosen research topic, and explains how it relates to one’s major. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Minimally describes chosen research topic, and partially explains how it relates to one’s major. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to describe chosen research topic and explain how it relates to one’s major; however, significant details are missing.  

Non-Performance - The description of the chosen research topic and explanation of how it relates to one’s major is either nonexistent or lacks the component described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly and accurately completes the KWHL chart with at least three thoughtful and well-developed entries per column.  

Proficient - Completes the KWHL chart with at least three entries per column. Minor details are missing or slightly underdeveloped. 

Basic - Partially completes the KWHL chart with at least two entries per column. Relevant details are missing and/or underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to complete the KWHL chart; however, there are less than two entries per column, and/or significant details are missing and underdeveloped. 

Non-Performance - The KWHL chart is either nonexistent or lacks the components describe in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Develops a thorough and appropriate research question fully using the chart in the worksheet and meeting all criteria.

Proficient - Develops an appropriate research question using the chart in the worksheet. The research question requires minor revision.

Basic - Develops a limited research question somewhat using the chart in the worksheet. The research question requires revision.

Below Expectations - Attempts to develop a research question; however, does not use the chart in the worksheet, and/or the question requires significant revision.

Non-Performance - The research question is either nonexistent or lacks 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.