Methods Accuracy and justification for proposed Methods; provide a beginning description of your proposed methods, and provide a justification for why this approach is most appropriate; you can also include why other methods would not be feasible or appropriate 25.0 to >21.5 pts High Distinction Clear and comprehensive description of methods; clear justification of method selection, substantiated by relevant citations from the academic literature; writing is clear and expressive, with no errors in grammar, flow or logic; subject specific vocabulary is applied with understanding.

Study Aim Clarity of Study Aim; provide a specific statement and include any sub-elements (if appropriate); the aim could be in a question or declarative (study objective) format. 15.0 to >13.0 pts High Distinction Clear, focused and comprehensive study aim, supported by previous sections; use of appropriate format for statement. Design Articulation of proposed Design; describe the design and provide a rationale for why this design is most appropriate to address topic of interest. 20.0 to >17.0 pts High Distinction Design is clear and appropriate, with logical links to the study aim, and is supported by previous sections; rationale for selection is logical, comprehensive and clearly articulated; claim is clearly supported by the literature.

Criteria Ratings Pts Introduction Clarity of introduction; provide a general introduction to the topic; include any relevant practice context (e.g. your professional role, interest in the area); note the significance / importance of the topic area from a practice &/or research perspective . 10.0 to >8.4 pts High Distinction Clear and well- articulated introduction to the topic; all key concepts described; significance and importance is highlighted and well supported by literature; high quality academic writing with no grammatical errors and appropriate reference format. Background Focus and clarity of Background; provide a summary of the relevant literature / evidence base, including elements of critique and synthesis. 30.0 to >25.5 pts High Distinction Demonstrates a clear and comprehensive synthesis of the evidence base; includes evidence of critique of included studies; subject specific vocabulary is applied with understanding; writing is clear and expressive, with no errors in grammar, flow or logic; correct format of in-text citations and reference list.