Student formulates topic and can revise the topic according to preliminary information gathered

• Selects topic too broad or too specific to develop successfully.

• Does not revise topic in response to information gathered.

• Selects manageable topic and develops two or more questions or subtopics.

• Revises topic according to information gathered.

• Selects manageable and engaging topic, develops interesting, innovative or provocative questions or subtopics.

• Revises topic according to information gathered.

Develops appropriate search strategies to efficiently locate information

• Uses fewer than minimum number of sources required.

• Does not use different types of resources or overlooks available resources.

• Identifies a variety of information necessary to support topic.

• Uses different types of resources which best meet the information needs of the topic.

• Identifies varied and multiple resources beyond the minimum number required.

• Uses originality in locating a wide variety of both primary and/or secondary sources.

Evaluates and selects information appropriate to the topic

• Some information is irrelevant to topic.

• Some information is inaccurate or incomplete.

• Not all information comes from authoritative sources.

• Uses only information that is relevant to topic.

• Uses information that is authoritative and accurate.

• Distinguishes fact, point of view and opinion and uses them appropriately.

• Uses scholarly source material that is authoritative, accurate and relevant to the topic.

• Distinguishes fact, point of view and opinion and uses insight to balance them when appropriate.

Assembles facts, opinions and points of view appropriate to the work

• Demonstrates some knowledge of topic.

• Organization and/or presentation is inadequate with few supporting facts or examples.

• Topic is not developed fully. Does not show awareness of audience.

• Demonstrates knowledge of topic.

• Topic is well developed with appropriate detail, facts or examples.

• Organization and presentation of information are effective and appropriate for audience.

• Demonstrates deep knowledge of topic.

• Topic is extremely well developed with extensive detail, facts or examples.

• Organization is integrated with content, and presentation is appropriate for audience.

Uses information responsibly and ethically

• Avoids plagiarism and provides sufficient bibliographic citations for reader to locate information.

• Bibliographic citations are included, but do not follow MLA* guidelines.

• Gives direct credit for quotations, images, sound or other unique intellectual property used in project.

• Provides complete, comprehensive bibliographic citations, specific to the types of resources used, in correct MLA* style.

• Gives direct credit for quotations, images, sound or other unique intellectual property used in project.

• Provides complete, comprehensive annotated bibliographic citations, specific to the types of resources used, in correct MLA* style.