Demonstrates original thought and critical thinking skills. Presents a clear, focused central argument and supports it effectively with concrete details, examples, and sound logic. Ideas are skillfully paraphrased and direct quotations are minimal and well-chosen.

Presents and supports a clear and focused central argument, but ideas may not be consistently convincing. Supporting details are relevant and logical but may lack depth. Ideas are effectively paraphrased, and direct quotations are minimal.

Presents a central argument but may be overly general/broad. Supporting points may be vague, too obvious, or otherwise unconvincing. May struggle to express ideas or lack interesting details.

Central argument is unclear or missing. Lacks focus. Supporting details are insufficient, not relevant, and/or not based on sound logic. Attempts to paraphrase do not reflect understanding.

Assignment shows strong, insightful evidence of the synthesis and application of the ideas and concepts.

Assignment shows some evidence of the synthesis and application of the ideas and concepts.

Assignment shows little evidence of the synthesis and application of the ideas and concepts.

Assignment shows no evidence of the synthesis and application of the ideas and concepts.

The writing demonstrates sophisticated clarity and conciseness and is extremely well organized. Punctuation, spelling, and capitalization are all correct with minimal to no errors.

The writing is clear, concise, and well organized. May contain a few punctuation, spelling, or capitalization errors.

The writing lacks clarity, conciseness, or organization. Several errors in punctuation, spelling, and capitalization detract from the readability of the paper.

The writing is unfocused and poorly organized. Many errors in punctuation, spelling, and capitalization detract from the readability of the paper.

Uses APA Style accurately and consistently to cite sources without errors. Meets length and formatting requirements of the assignment. The required number of relevant audience-appropriate sources have been expertly cited and integrated into the content to support ideas.

APA Style is used with few citation errors. Meets most length and formatting requirements of the assignment. Reputable audience-appropriate sources have been included but may not be well integrated. The source content minimally supports ideas.

Reflects incomplete knowledge of APA Style with many errors. Meets few length and formatting requirements of the assignment. At least one source is used but is not cited properly, is not reputable, or is inappropriate for the audience or topic. The source does not support ideas.

Does not use APA style; there are pervasive errors throughout the paper. Does not meet length or formatting requirements of the assignment. Sources are not provided.