• Evidence of thoughtful research & notes
• Articles are outlined and summarized using quotations, and paraphrases, and keywords
• All notes are relevant to topic

• Some evidence of thoughtful research and notes, but the evidence is not consistent for all sources.
• Articles are outlined and summarized, but it is not consistent for all sources.
• Some notes may be brief, but complete.
• Nearly all notes are relevant to topic.

• Few quotes and/or phrases in notes are present.
• Note-taking looks rushed and incomplete.
• All notes are brief.
• Some notes relate to topic, but other do not.

• Notes contain little evidence of focused research
• Notes are clearly incomplete.
• Most notes do not relate to the topic

• Correct MLA format is used for ALL resources on a "Works Cited" page. (Use Resources page for help).
• All citations are correct and complete (If autocite is used, it has been double checked).

• There is a minor error in MLA format on the "Works Cited" page (heading, title, etc.).
• All citations are correct.

• There is at least one major error in citation format or there are more than one minor errors in MLA format.
• Citations are mostly correct but there may be minor information missing.

• There are numerous errors and/or missing information.

• Engaging use of language. Excellent delivery.  Very little use of notes.
• Presentation is appealing to the eye, and follows the rules. No mistakes (grammar, spelling, etc.) Excellent use of visuals and photos.

• Good use of descriptive language. Good delivery. Some use of notes, but still a fair amount of eye contact.
• Presentation follows the rules on nearly every slide. Few convention errors. Good use of visuals.

• Delivery is average. Use of language is basic. Moderate use of notes. More looking at notes, than audience.
• Presentation follows the rules on some slides. There may be distracting features or text that is hard to read. Several convention errors. Some use of visuals.

• Lots of stumbles in delivery. Poor use of language. Large use of notes.
• Presentation follows the rules on few slides. There are several noticeable conventions errors. Few pictures; slides are primarily filled with text.

Takes a position on the issue that:

• Considers both individual rights and the common good.

AND

• Includes a call to action*.

Takes a position on the issue that:

• Considers both individual rights and the common good.

Takes a position on the issue that:

• Considers EITHER individual rights OR the common good.

OR

• Includes a call to action.

Takes a position on the issue that:

• Does NOT consider either individual rights or the common good.

Provides background on the issue by describing:

• what the issue is

• who is involved in the issue

• why this issue is important by relating it to a key ideal or constitutional principle.

Provides background on the issue by describing:

• what the issue is

• who is involved in the issue

• why this issue is important.

Provides background on the issue by describing two of the following:

• what the issue is

• who is involved in the issue

• why this issue is important.

Provides background on the issue by describing one of the following:

• what the issue is

• who is involved in the issue

• why this issue is important.

1.1.2. Evaluates… how key ideals and constitutional principles set forth in fundamental documents relate to public issues. (8th Grade)

(EALR 1.1. Understands key ideals and principles…)

Provides reason(s) for the position supported by evidence.

The evidence includes:

• An explanation of how a constitutional principle logically supports the position on the issue.

AND

• An explanation of how two or more additional pieces of credible information logically support the position on the issue.

Provides reason(s) for the position supported by evidence.

The evidence includes:

• An explanation of how a constitutional principle logically supports the position on the issue.

AND

• An explanation of how one additional piece of credible information logically supports the position on the issue.

Provides reason(s) for the position supported by evidence.

The evidence includes:

• An explanation of how a constitutional principle logically supports the position on the issue without any additional supporting information.

OR

• An explanation of how credible information logically supports the position on the issue without explaining how a  constitutional principle supports the position

Provides reason(s) for the position without any supporting evidence.

5.4.2. Uses appropriate format to cite sources within an essay. (8th Grade)

(EALR 5.4. Creates a product…)

5.2.2. Evaluates the logic of positions in primary and secondary sources to interpret an issue or historical event. (8th Grade)

(EALR 5.2. Uses inquiry-based research.)

• Makes explicit references within the paper or presentation to four or more credible sources that provide relevant information

• Cites sources within the paper, presentation, or bibliography.

• Makes explicit references within the paper or presentation to three credible sources that provide relevant information.

• Cites sources within the paper, presentation, or bibliography.

• Makes explicit references within the paper or presentation to two credible sources that provide relevant information.

• Cites sources within the paper, presentation, or bibliography.

• Makes explicit references within the paper or presentation to one credible source that provides relevant information.

• Cites sources within the paper, presentation, or bibliography.