1. Purpose of Writing:

You effectively establish the context and purpose of the writing assignment or paper; the thesis is clearly conveyed and central theme is readily apparent.

2. Determining extent of information needed

You effectively define the scope of the research question or thesis and clearly determine key concepts; types of information (sources) selected relate directly to concepts or answer research question.

3. Accessing needed information

You access information using effective, well-designed search strategies and highly relevant information sources.

4. Evaluating information and its sources critically

You choose a variety of information sources particularly relevant to the scope and discipline of the research question, after considering the importance of multiple criteria such as pertinence to the research question, currency, authority, audience, and bias or point of view.

5. Content development

You use appropriate, relevant, and compelling content that demonstrates mastery of the subject; provide an advanced and thoughtful analysis of ideas; present an in-depth synthesis of ideas demonstrating insight and interpretation; and include appropriate references to readings wherever necessary.

6. Using information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose

You communicate, organize, and synthesize information from sources to fully achieve a specific purpose, with clarity and depth.

7. Organization

You lucidly organize material into well-formed paragraphs and arrange your ideas logically to support the purpose of the paper; writing is fluid with an explicit focus and sensible structure.

8. Accessing and using information ethically and legally

You correctly apply all of the following information use strategies: (1) citations and references; (2) choice of paraphrasing, summary, or quoting; (3) using information in ways that are true to original context; and (4) distinguishing between common knowledge and ideas requiring attribution. And you demonstrate a complete understanding of the ethical and legal restrictions on the use of published, confidential, and proprietary information.

9. Expectations and Completeness

You effectively fulfill the length requirement for the writing assignment, thoroughly address all assignment criteria, and fully develop and explore concepts.

10. Evidence

You support points and subpoints with abundant clarifying detail, include relevant and clearly attributed sources as necessary, and effectively link ideas; comprehensive evidence extends ideas and fully authenticates the purpose/thesis of the writing assignment or paper.

11. Sources and documentation
You clearly and effectively document sources of information with in-text citations linking to "works cited" or references at the end of the paper; format is complete and entirely accurate.

12. Mechanics

You write in complete, well-constructed sentences with faultless grammar, word choice, punctuation, and spelling; writing is sharp, coherent, and demonstrates sophisticated clarity.