Skill Realized 100–90Skill Developing 90–80Skill Emerging 80–70Skill Not Evident 70–0Content / Writing 70 Points TotalIntro and Background The student described the chosen topic.The topic is defined in detail and history/ background is given.The topic is defined, but there’s no history or background given.The topic is defined incorrectly, and the history isn’t given.There’s no definition or attempt at background info/history./5 points5 points4 points2 points1 pointThe student described the basic argument of an opposing viewpoint/ presented the controversy.The student states that there’s a debate and gives a brief summary of the debate.10 pointsThe student states that there’s a debate but offers no summary.7 pointsIt can be inferred that there’s a debate, but not stated within the first two paragraphs.5 pointsThere’s no mention of a controversy or debate.1 point/10 points Skill Realized 100–90Skill Developing 90–80Skill Emerging 80–70Skill Not Evident 70–0Body The student explained the pros and cons of the topic with detail and examples.The student identified the strengths and weaknesses of both views and clearly evaluated the arguments./35 pointsPros and cons are defined and explained, examples are given, and critical analysis is made.There’s an explicit explanation of why the point is a pro or con and whether the point is valid.The reader doesn’t need to infer anything.35 pointsPros and cons are defined, but some examples are missing or some critical analysis and evaluation of points is missing.Minimal inferring for pros/cons (not every point is explicit).30 pointsAt least one pro and one con are listed. There’s no evaluation of the validity of different points, just definitions and examples. More informative than evaluative.20 pointsThe writing is strictly informative. Pros and cons aren’t described, nor can they be inferred.10 pointsLanguage used was clear and correct./5 pointsThe spelling and grammar were correct, and language was clear. Words were used correctly.5 pointsWriting included some vague language or mistakes.There were fewer than five spelling or grammar issues.4 pointsWriting included vague language as well as five or six spelling or grammar issues. There was also incorrect word usage.3 pointsWriting included more than six grammar or spelling issues. There was also vague language and unclear wording.1 point Skill Realized 100–90Skill Developing 90–80Skill Emerging 80–70Skill Not Evident 70–0Conclusion The student chose a view that he or she agreed with./5 pointsThe conclusion clearly stated whether the student was pro, con, or undecided.5 pointsAn opinion was inferred to be pro, con, or undecided.4 pointsAn opinion was attempted but inconsistent.2 pointsThere’s no opinion on the debate either given or inferred.1 pointThe student supports his or her stance with facts and clearly explains the reasoning for his or her chosen view./10 pointsThe student gives at least two reasons for his or her opinion and supporting provides research.10 pointsThe student gives one reason for his or her opinion and provides supporting research, or the student simply gives more than one reason for his or her opinion.8 pointsThe student gives one reason for his or her opinion but fails to provide supporting research.4 pointsThere’s no reason given for the student’s opinion on the topic.1 pointFormatting 30 Points TotalCover Page The student includes a cover page at the beginning of the paper./5 pointsThe cover includes the following: title, author’s name, student ID, course title/exam number, date, school name, and email address.5 pointsThe cover is missing any of the following: title, author, student ID, course title/exam number, date, schoolname, and email address.4 pointsNo cover/title page is present, butidentification information is listed on the top of the paper.3 pointsNo cover/title page or student information is provided.0 points Skill Realized 100–90Skill Developing 90–80Skill Emerging 80–70Skill Not Evident 70–0References The student includes references in APA formatting at the end of the paper./10 pointsReferences are in APA format with no errors.10 pointsA reference page is included, with fewer than three formatting errors.8 pointsA reference page is attempted, but there are more than three formatting errors.6 pointsNo references are provided.0 pointsCitations The student includes in-text citationsin APA formatting throughout the paper that coincide with the references and show where all information comes from. Paraphrasing and quote formatting are correct./10 pointsAll citations are in APA format.Citations are present where required. All references have citations.10 pointsMost citation information is provided and in the correct format.8 pointsSome citations are attempted. A few quotes are cited but not formatted as quotes.4 pointsNo citations are included. 0 pointsIf no references or citations are included, you’ll receive a 1% on your paper for plagiarism. Skill Realized 100–90Skill Developing 90–80Skill Emerging 80–70Skill Not Evident 70–0Formatting The student adhered to the following formatting requirements:12-point, normal font 1-inch margins 3–5 pagesDouble-spaced/5 pointsAll formatting requirements are met.5 pointsOne formatting requirement is missing.4 pointsTwo formatting requirements are missing.3 pointsMore than two formatting requirements are missing.0 points