| Criteria | Levels of Achievement |
| Content (70%) | Advanced 94-100% | Proficient 88-93% | Developing 1-87% | Not present | Total |
| Content | 47 to 50 points: The question is clearly identified and retains focus throughout the paper. Introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points. All necessary aspects of the assignment described in the instructions are clearly identifiable. Organization emphasizes the central theme or purpose.
| 44 to 46.5 points: The question may require some clarification and/or greater prominence throughout the paper. Introduction may not provide adequate background on the topic and preview major points. Most necessary aspects of the assignment described in the instructions are clearly identifiable and sufficiently addressed. Organization may not sufficiently emphasize the central theme or purpose.
| 1 to 43.5 points: The question requires significant clarification and prominence throughout the paper. Introduction may be missing or ambiguous. Some necessary aspects of the assignment described in the instructions are clearly identifiable, but others may require clarification or development. Organization may require significant improvement.
| 0 points Not present | |
| Reasoned Analysis | 47 to 50 points: Major points are stated clearly and are supported by valid evidence and logical reasoning. Objective, reasoned analysis is employed. Opposing viewpoints are sufficiently acknowledged and critically evaluated. The conclusion logically derives from the paper’s ideas. An authoritative, persuasive, and statesmanlike voice is used.
| 44 to 46.5 points: Most major points are stated clearly and supported by valid evidence and logical reasoning, but some points may require clarification or greater support. Opposing viewpoints are acknowledged but may require greater evaluation. The conclusion does not fully derive from the paper’s ideas. Some improvements to objective tone/perspective may be required.
| 1 to 43.5 points: Major points require significant clarification and scholarly support. Opposing viewpoints are not adequately acknowledged and/or addressed. Conclusion does not derive logically from the paper’s main ideas. Significant improvements to objective tone/perspective are required.
| 0 points Not present | |
| Scholarly Support | 21.25 to 22.5 points: Sources reflecting diverse viewpoints and research are employed to include at least 4 peer-reviewed scholarly resources (along with course materials/books). Source material is properly attributed. Resonates Christian world view supporting your themes throughout your writing. | 19.75 to 21 points: Some improvements/ additions to quality/quantity of sources are needed using at least 2 peer-reviewed scholarly resources (along with course materials/books). Clarification of source material may be needed. Further interpretation and/or support for Christian world view needed. | 1 to 19.5 points: Significant improvement of scholarly support or Christian world view is needed. Source material may not be properly attributed. | 0 points Not present | |
| Structure (30%) | Advanced 94-100% | Proficient 88-93% | Developing 1-88% | Not present | Total |
| Grammar & Spelling | 20.75 to 22 points: Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed and spelling is correct. Sentences are complete, clear and concise. Rhetorical skill is shown. Sentences are well constructed, with consistently strong and varied structure. Sentence transitions are present and direct the flow of thought. Paragraph transitions are present and logical, directing flow of thought throughout the paper.
| 19.5 to 20.5 points: Paper contains minimal errors in grammar, usage, punctuation and spelling. Sentences are generally complete, clear and concise. Rhetorical skill is shown, although a few points may require clarification. Some variation in sentence structure or transitions may be required to improve flow of discussion. Some paragraph transitions may require improvement.
| 1 to 19.25 points: Paper contains numerous errors in grammar, usage, punctuation and spelling. Multiple sentences may be incomplete or ambiguously worded. Sentence transitions may be weak, insufficiently directing the flow of thought.
| 0 points Not present | |
| Formatting | 20.75 to 22 points: Paper is laid out effectively and uses reader-friendly aids (e.g., section subheadings, table of contents, indices, appendices, etc.) as appropriate. Text, citations and Reference page(s) follow current APA format requirements. Paper is written in 12 point Times New Roman font, is double-spaced, and has 1” margins.
| 19.5 to 20.5 points: Paper is generally laid out effectively and uses some reader-friendly aids as appropriate. Text, citations and Reference page(s) contains minimal inconsistencies with current APA format requirements. Paper may contain some inconsistencies with required font, spacing and margin requirements.
| 1 to 19.25 points: Paper may be laid out ineffectively or may not use sufficient reader-friendly aids as appropriate. Text, citations and/or Reference page(s) do not follow current APA format requirements. Paper may not follow required font, spacing and margin requirements.
| 0 points Not present | |
| Page Length | 8 to 8.5 points: Required page length of 10 pages is met. This does not include title-page, abstract, nor reference page(s). | 7.5 to 7.75 points: Required page length was not met or exceeded required page length of 1 page. This does not include title-page, abstract, nor reference page(s). | 1 to 7.25 points: Page length may be significantly shorter or longer than the requirement by 2 or more pages. | 0 points Not present | |
| Professor Comments: | | Total: | /175 |
