Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style. All format elements are correct. Reference page is present and fully inclusive of all cited sources. Documentation is appropriate and citation style is usually correct. In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct. The documentation of cited sources is free of error.

Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used. Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development of the paper. It is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are comprehensive. The essence of the paper is contained within the thesis. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear. Argument shows logical progression. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.

Supports main points with references, explanations, and examples. Analysis and description are direct, competent, and appropriate of the criteria. Supports main points with references, examples, and full explanations of how they apply. Thoughtfully analyzes, evaluates and describes major points of the criteria.

Demonstrates acceptable knowledge of the top five elements of the health care system that most need reform, including the issues and implications (in your own words). Develops an acceptable analysis of the impacts on the current system. Utilizes some examples. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the top five elements of the health care system that most need reform, including the issues and implications. Clearly develops a strong analysis of the impacts on the current system and implications. Introduces appropriate examples.

Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent. Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present. Reference page is present. Citations are inconsistently used. Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper. Sources are appropriately documented, although some errors may be present

Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or vague; purpose is not clear. Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to purpose. Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, and/or word choice are present. Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used.

2 Less Than Satisfactory 65.00% 3 Satisfactory 75.00% Demonstrates only minimal understanding of the top five elements of the health care system that most need reform, including the issues and implications. Demonstrates only minimal abilities for critical thinking and analysis. Demonstrates knowledge of the top five elements of the health care system that most need reform, including the issues and implications, but has some misunderstanding of the impacts on the current system. Provides basic critical thinking and analysis. Does not include examples or descriptions. Provides some supporting examples, but minimal explanations and no references. Supports main points with examples and explanations and includes few references to support claims and ideas.