COMPLETE 4-5 PAGE ESSAY THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE REFERENCE PAGE (REFER TO THE POINT COUNTERPOINT ESSAY INSTRUCTIONS FOR DETAILS).

Point/Counterpoint Essay Assignment Instructions

Important: DO NOT INCLUDE ANY QUOTES IN THIS PAPER.

YOUR PAPER TITLE: Do addicts have to hit “rock bottom” to get help?

PLEASE REFER TO THE POINT COUNTERPOINT OUTLINE YOU COMPLETED. USE THE REFERENCES YOU HAVE IN PREVIOUSLY USED IN YOUR OUTLINE AND PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU USE APA FORMATING.

Drug issues are seldom black or white, right or wrong. Some of the most hotly debated questions of our day concern the use, misuse, and abuse of drugs. These issues deserve a good deal of critical thought.

Use the outline you created last week (see separate instruction document for the outline) to construct a 4-5 page point/counterpoint (persuasive) essay using the arguments and sources you already researched. In the essay, you will present opposing points of view on the issue you already chose from the approved list.

You may already have an opinion, even a strong one, about the issue. But use this as an opportunity to really dig deep and explore the opposite viewpoint. Try to keep an open mind and understand the reasons and evidence for their arguments. Who knows? Maybe you will change your mind on some things. Step into their shoes and present their arguments from their point of view as strongly as you can. You should present both sides in a fair way by discussing them objectively and in equal detail. The reader should not be able to tell which side you agree with. DO NOT INSERT YOUR OPINION UNTIL THE VERY END IN THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH.

PLEASE READ THE GRADING RUBRIC FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN. COMPARE YOUR ESSAY TO THE GRADING RUBRIC BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT WILL BE USED TO GRADE YOUR ESSAY.

Checklist:

· Read the sample Point/Counterpoint Essay before you start

· Copy the title word for word from the approved list of topics

· Introduction contains the “for” and “against” argument, with no opinion

· First section includes at least 3 arguments FOR the issue, with no opinion

· Each argument FOR has at least one in-text citation

· Second section contains at least 3 arguments AGAINST the issue, with no opinion

· Each argument AGAINST has at least one in-text citation

· Arguments FOR and arguments AGAINST are equally strong and equal in length

· Conclusion contains your clear opinion

· Do not use any quotations. Write everything in your own words.

· Essay is 4-5 pages double-spaced (about 1,000 words) not including references

· Use at least 2 sources from government reports or scholarly/peer reviewed journals FOR the issue and 2 AGAINST the issue – a total of 4 sources.

· List all references (sources) at the end in correct APA 6th Edition format in alphabetical order

· Cite each reference on your references list at least once in the text and list every in-text citation on the references list

· Grade what you wrote using the Point/Counterpoint Essay rubric

· Proofread your essay and read it out loud

Essay Structure

PLEASE READ THE SAMPLE ESSAY FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN WRITING. COMPARE YOUR ESSAY TO THE SAMPLE ESSAY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT IT.

A good essay will include the following:

· A title that clearly states the issue as a question. Take your title from the list of approved topics and just copy what it says there word for word.

· An interesting introductory paragraph that clearly introduces both sides of the argument and draws the reader in. It does not contain your opinion (do not say “I think, I believe, in my opinion”).

· The first section contains 3 strong arguments FOR the issue (the point). ***Each of the 3 arguments must cite at least one source. Do not include your opinion; just report the ideas from your sources.

· The second section contains 3 strong arguments AGAINST the issue (counterpoint). ***Each of the 3 arguments must cite at least one source. Do not include your opinion; just report the ideas from your sources.

· Arguments FOR and arguments AGAINST should be equally as strong and convincing with approximately the same number of sentences/paragraphs for each side of the issue.

· A closing paragraph in which you clearly state your opinion on the issue.

IMPORTANT: The idea of this assignment is to have an open mind and really explore both sides of the issue. Even if you already have a strong opinion, try to understand the other side’s reasons and argue their side as strongly and objectively as you do for the side you agree with. Pretend like you are in a debate. Argue for the issue as strongly as you can. Then change sides and argue against the issue as strongly as you can.

Writing Style and Format

· Write clearly and concisely.
Use as few words as possible to make your arguments.
Make your essay easy to read by eliminating extra unnecessary words, phrases and sentences. Get straight to the point.

· Do not try to sound formal. Write simply and easily. You are encouraged to submit your essay to the National University Writing Center for their expert guidance BEFORE you submit your final essay. You can learn a lot from a half hour session with them and it will improve your grade:

WritingCenter@nu.edu

. Their appointments fill up quickly so reserve a place as soon as you can.

· Group similar ideas together so the arguments follow one after the other in a logical order. Use transitional or introductory phrases to help the reader know why the idea is being presented. For example, “ A second reason why….” Or “The next argument for…” Or “(Author) also agrees with….”

·
Check your work
. Use spell check and then carefully proofread your essay at least once to catch spelling, punctuation and grammatical mistakes. Read your essay out loud to catch any missing words, extra words and awkward-sounding sentences. Show your essay to someone else to see if they understand what you are trying to say. Take pride in your work and strive to be mistake-free.

· Do NOT use
any quotations
. Instead, paraphrase (write in your own words) the ideas or information and cite the source.

· Type in Times New Roman, Size 12 font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins all around.

· You do not need to use any headings.

· The essay will be 4-5 pages or approximately 1,000 words, not including the References list.

· At the top of the paper, write your name, course (COH 318), assignment (Point/Counterpoint Essay) and date.

References

Use at least 4 total sources for your arguments. Each of the 2 arguments for and the 2 arguments against must have at least one source.

At least 2 of the sources must support your point (for). They must come from peer-reviewed journal articles or government reports.

At least 2 of the sources must support your counterpoint argument (against). They must come from peer-reviewed journal articles or government reports.

Information from the course textbook is allowed, but does not count as one of your four required sources above. Other additional sources are allowed, but they also do not count toward your four required sources. Sources must be recent (published within the past 5-10 years).

APA Resources – Use APA 6th edition format for your References list

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/06/

1-page instruction on Reference List format

http://nu.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=8766101

2-page handout on APA

www.apastyle.com

http://apastylecentral.apa.org.nuls.idm.oclc.org/learn/browse/QG-29

http://library.nu.edu/assets/resources/pageResources/APA

http://library.nu.edu/FindResources/ReferenceTools/citations.html

Class objectives: (CLO 1, GLO 2, GLO 3, GLO 6, GLO 8, ILO 1, ILO 2)

COH 318 Point/Counterpoint Instructions 3

Student’sname

COH318

Point/Counterpoint Outline

August 13, 2020

TITLE

State the question from the list of approved topics, word for word.

Do addicts have to hit “rock bottom” to get help?

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Introduce the topic and include the point and counterpoint without providing an opinion.

“Rock bottom” is a common term among those who are recovering from addictions. It denotes a state at which the addict was at their lowest in life when they felt most vulnerable and had to seek help. Some have referred to it as a live or die situation. Those who veer to the affirmative claim that the rock bottom is necessary, and addicts have to go through it before seeking help. Those who are opposed to the notion claim that it is certainly possible to seek help without having to hit rock bottom (Kirouac & Witkiewitz, 2017).

FIRST SECTION

#1 Argument FOR. Include in-text citation(s) in APA format	The first argument to the affirmative is that rock bottom is a state that eliminates any illusion of self-control that the addict has. In most cases, addicts are usually not conscious of the seriousness of their situations. In fact, help is offered to most addicts in one form or another long before the addict has hit rock bottom. Most addicts however reject the help or do not take it seriously as they often do not think they need it (Obong’o, Alexander, Chavan, Dillon, & Kedia, 2017).
#2 Argument FOR. Include in-text citation(s) in APA format	Secondly, hitting rock bottom gives the addict a chance to begin living again and is the perfect chance for addicts to approach life from a healthy and productive perspective. Most addicts usually have lost everything by the time they hit rock bottom. When they are seeking help, they are essentially looking for a new lease of life. This includes new friends, a new environment, new knowledge and new habits. New habits are impossible to build before a person has hit rock bottom because they tend to be held back by their old ones (Kirouac & Witkiewitz, 2017).
#3 Argument FOR. Include in-text citation(s) in APA format	Thirdly, one of the most favorable factors for those who have hit rock bottom is the elimination of all perceived options. Most addicts describe rock bottom as the point at which they realized that there was no option but to seek help. Moreover, this point is defined by most as one at which they have lost all of what they deemed valuable in their lives. At this point, the addiction is clearly identified as the killer it is, and the addict sees no option but to quit. Most recovering addicts who have hit rock bottom describe this as their epiphany moment and turning point (Obong’o et al., 2017).
Concluding Sentence:	Anyone with initiative and ability to follow easy instructions can save the life of someone who overdoses on opioids.

SECOND SECTION

Transition (i.e., On the other hand)	There are, however, those who claim that addicts need not hit rock bottom. They claim that addicts can and should seek help before things are at their worst.
#1 Argument AGAINST. Include in-text citation(s) in APA format	The first argument against the rock bottom scenario is the fact that at that point, any damage that could have been done has been done. Rock bottom is often the addicts’ point of greatest loss. At this point, the situation is often unsalvageable. It, therefore, makes little sense for the addict and their loved ones to wait until this point to seek help (Shamsalinia, Ghaffari, Khayeri, & Masoudi, 2018).
#2 Argument AGAINST. Include in-text citation(s) in APA format	Secondly, beginning life from rock bottom is difficult. Addicts often have lost everything. At rock bottom most addicts often have to rebuild destroyed relationships with family, look for new jobs after having lost their old ones, start eating healthy and taking medication after having been diagnosed with serious health problems, among many other aspects of life that have to be built anew. Opponents argue that it is much easier to avoid getting to this point that trying to rebuild one’s life once it has disintegrated (Klingemann, 2011).
#3 Argument AGAINST. Include in-text citation(s) in APA format	Thirdly, the point referred to as “rock bottom” is relative for everyone. Everyone has their own unique experience that they define as their rock bottom. It is absurd to wait for someone to hit rock bottom because it is an position, or one that may change. Hence, it is much wiser to obtain help early enough (Shamsalinia et al., 2018).
Concluding Sentence:	Waiting until an addict hits rock bottom is not only absurd, it is wasteful of time and resources and makes the addicts life even more difficult to salvage.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH

A closing paragraph in which you state your opinion.

In conclusion, while it may be possible to get help without hitting rock bottom, I believe that it is necessary to hit rock bottom for a sustained transformation of an addict’s life to occur. Opponents base their arguments on the fact that the cost of hitting rock bottom is too high and are avoidable. However, while this is true, hitting rock bottom has been known to cause a “eureka” moment as evidenced by most testimonies. I think that only rock bottom can lead to permanent change.

REFERENCES

AT LEAST 4 sources from peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports or other textbooks, using APA 6th edition. List in alphabetical order.

Kirouac, M., & Witkiewitz, K. (2017). Identifying “Hitting Bottom” Among Individuals with Alcohol Problems: Development and Evaluation of the Noteworthy Aspects of Drinking Important to Recovery (NADIR). Substance use & misuse, 52(12), 1602-1615. Klingemann, J. I. (2011). Lay and professional concepts of alcohol dependence in the process of recovery from addiction among treated and non-treated individuals in Poland: A qualitative study. Addiction Research & Theory, 19(3), 266-275. Obong’o, C. O., Alexander, A. C., Chavan, P. P., Dillon, P. J., & Kedia, S. K. (2017). Choosing to live or die: online narratives of recovering from methamphetamine abuse. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 49(1), 52-58. Shamsalinia, A., Ghaffari, F., Khayeri, F., & Masoudi, R. (2018). Helplessness and the need to withdraw from drugs: the beginning of the path to recovery. Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment, 17(2), 76-85.

Page 2

Student

Name

COH318

Point/Counterpoint Essay

Date

Should Naloxone be allowed to be administered by anyone in order to save a life in case of a narcotic overdose emergency?

Imagine having the power to easily save the life of someone experiencing a narcotic or opioid prescription medication overdose… anyone, anytime, anywhere. Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist medication that effectively reverses the effects of a narcotic overdose (usually heroin), is legal to possess with a prescription, is fairly inexpensive, and has no psychotropic effects or potential for abuse (Lankenau et al., 2013). However, currently the majority of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the United States are not authorized to administer such medications. Those who support widespread distribution of naloxone and advocate for training lay people to use it say it will potentially save more human lives. Those against its widespread use fear possible accidental overdoses, masking the addiction problem, or potential increase in drug use. Weighing these pros and cons, should such an antidote be given free to all narcotic users?

In order to combat the rising number of narcotic overdose cases, distribution programs that allow family members and friends to administer naloxone were established in some areas within the United States, and these programs demonstrated success in saving lives (Faul et al., 2015). These programs increased the ability to save the lives of any narcotic overdose/abuse by a family member, friend, or associate, whether the episode was witnessed or the overdosed user was discovered after some elapsed time. Furthermore, naloxone is easy to administer with proper education, awareness and training, so the benefits greatly outweigh any risks. In the San Francisco DOPE Intervention Project, 90 percent of trained participants who administered naloxone to overdose cases reported positive outcomes (Enteen et al., 2010). In most states, the emergency/first responder medical scope-of-practice protocols prohibit naloxone administration by basic EMTs. Reducing this unnecessary barrier could help prevent thousands of drug overdose deaths annually and there are many who support suggestions for more widespread use of intranasal naloxone by non-advanced life support providers (Faul et al., 2015). Intranasal administration of naloxone has multiple benefits compared to intravenous routes, including no required medical intravenous venipuncture skills, and it eliminates the risks of needle-stick injuries and blood-borne diseases. People without professional medical backgrounds have demonstrated competence in basic first aid, rescue breathing, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as first responders to an emergency, and nearly every business establishment in the United States these days has an automated external defibrillator (AED) which can be used by non-medical personnel to revive a person in cardiac arrest. Bazazi, Zaller, Fu, and Rich (2010) state that it makes sense for drug users and others to have an accessible tool to reverse opiate overdose that works well, is easy to use and is not harmful. Overall, these facts portray that anyone with a little initiative and the ability to follow easy instructions can save the life of someone who overdoses on opioids, whether by intent or by accident.

Whereas widespread distribution of naloxone may seem good on its face, there are many critics who believe that it could lead to further complications, such as possible accidental overdoses, perpetuating addiction or increase in drug use. There are obvious concerns that narcotics abusers may develop a false sense of security that having access to naloxone may make them safe from an overdose. These users may then increase their drug dosages due to this bravado or simply increase their overall intake to off-set any withdrawal effects. In a poll of injectable drug users who voluntarily participated in a study, nearly 15% believed easy availability of naloxone to be a bad idea and several reported that they might increase their heroin dosage as a result (Strang et al., 1999). Some of the participants in one take-home naloxone study group stated that if someone administered naloxone to them, they would then have to use more opiates to counteract the discomfort from withdrawal symptoms (Breedvelt, Tracey, Dickenson, & Dean, 2015). While having naloxone for treatments at home may be a quick remedy for a heroin or opioid overdose, a major benefit for receiving treatment from a professional doctor at a medical facility is the opportunities offered to attend sobriety or intervention programs to eliminate the addict’s drug using and seeking behaviors and to ensure safe treatment. Naloxone distribution does not address the core problem which is the actual addiction. Participants from other studies reported that they would be reluctant to administer naloxone, even if witnessing an overdose in person, due to the police or other paperwork that may be required or because giving the medication to a patient requires constant medical surveillance and monitoring until they are fully revived or until a higher echelon of medical care arrives. Distributing naloxone may be a good gesture, but the risks of increased drug use, accidental overdoses and masking the core problem of addiction outweigh the benefits.

Regardless of the possible complications discussed in the previous paragraphs, I believe that naloxone distribution and administration would be a great concept to continue to develop. There are a plethora of widespread distribution organizations throughout the world that offer supplies, education, and training, and it would be a less risky idea to build upon the foundations already established. For example, in 2005, the United Kingdom deemed that naloxone was a safe injectable drug and allowed naloxone administration by anyone, even those without any medical training, in order to save a life in case of an overdose emergency. It seems foolish to think that in the United States, EMTs are not even allowed to perform such a simple and easy life-saving measure. Law enforcement officers are now being equipped with naloxone injectors and distribution programs have been showing documented success for several years. If research does show that the production cost of naloxone is fairly cheap, then it is absurd to completely dismiss this idea when the potential for what it could do is considered. For those with ethical qualms about providing clean needles and syringes to the community, their objections can be resolved by the use of intranasal naloxone medication rather than intravenous or intramuscular routes of administration. Simply put, the benefits greatly do outweigh the risks here, and having been a former first responder to an overdose call before, and having administered two rounds of 0.4 mg of Narcan intravenously before resuscitating a heavily sedated patient, I can say that the medication is definitely effective and I stand by its use, if used correctly and for the right purposes.

References

Bazazi, A. R., Zaller, N. D., Fu, J. J., & Rich, J.D. (2010). Preventing opiate overdose deaths: Examining objections to take-home naloxone. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 21(4), 1108-13. Retrieved from

https://nuls.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.nuls.idm.oclc.org/docview/ 816192333?accountid=25320

Breedvelt, J. J. F., Tracey, D. K., Dickenson, E. C., & Dean, L. V. (2015). “Take home” naloxone: What does the evidence base tell us? Drugs and Alcohol Today, 15 (2), 67-75. Retrieved from

https://nuls.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.nuls.idm.oclc.org/docview/ 1700641589?accountid=25320

Enteen, L., Bauer, J., Mclean, R., Wheeler, E., Huriaux, E., Kral, A. H., & Bamberger, J. D.

(2010). Overdose prevention and naloxone prescription for opioid users in San Francisco. Journal of Urban Health, 87(6), 931-41.

doi:

http://dx.doi.org.nuls.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s11524

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Faul, M., Dailey, M. W., Sugerman, D. E., Sasser, S. M., Levy, B., & Paulozzi, L. J. (2015). Disparity in naloxone administration by emergency medical service providers and the burden of drug overdose in US rural communities. American Journal of Public Health, 105, E26E32. Retrieved from

https://nuls.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.nuls.idm.oclc.org/docview/

1687987375?accountid=25320

Lankenau, S. E., Wagner, K. D., Silva, K., Kecojevic, A., Iverson, E., Mcneely, M., & Kral, A. H. (2013). Injection drug users trained by overdose prevention programs: Responses to witnessed overdoses. Journal of Community Health, 38(1), 133-41.

doi:

http://dx.doi.org.nuls.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s10900

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Strang, J., Powis, B., Best, D., Vingoe, L.,

Griffiths P

, 

Taylor C

, 

Welch S

, &

Gossop M

. (1999). Preventing opiate overdose fatalities with take-home naloxone: Pre-launch study of possible impact and acceptability. Addiction, 94(2), 199-204. Retrieved from

https://nuls.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.nuls.idm.oclc.org/docview/

199558588?accountid=25320

Point/Counterpoint Essay Rubric

Levels of Achievement
Criteria	Outstanding Achievement	Commendable Achievement	Acceptable	Marginal	Unacceptable	Failing
Title  Weight 2.00%	100 % The title states the issue (word for word from the approved list) as a question.	90 % The title mostly states the issue (word for word from the approved list) as a question.	80 % The title somewhat states the issue (word for word from the approved list) as a question.	70 % The title poorly states the issue (word for word from the approved list) as a question.	60 % The title does not state the issue (word for word from the approved list) as a question.	0 % There is no title.
Introductory paragraph Weight 5.00%	100 % Introductory paragraph clearly states the “for” and “against” argument and contains no opinion.	90 % Introductory paragraph mostly states the “for” and “against” argument and/or contains no opinion.	80 % Introductory paragraph somewhat states the “for” and “against” argument and/or contains some opinion.	70 % Introductory paragraph weakly states the “for” and “against” argument and/or contains some opinion.	60 % Introductory paragraph does not state the “for” and “against” argument and contains a strong opinion.	0 % There is no introductory paragraph.
Number of Arguments in Favor and Cited Sources  Weight 10.00%	100 % The essay contains 3 arguments in favor of the issue. Each argument cites at least 1 source.	90 % The essay contains 3 arguments in favor but only 2 of them cite at least 1 source.	80 % The essay contains 2 arguments in favor of the issue and each argument cites at least 1 source, or there are 3 arguments in favor but only 1 argument cites at least 1 source.	70 % The essay contains 1 argument in favor of the issue and cites at least 1 source, or there are 2 arguments in favor but only 1 argument cites at least 1 source.	60 % The essay contains 1 to 3 arguments in favor of the issue but none of them cite any sources.	0 % The essay does not contain any arguments in favor of the issue.
Organization of Arguments in Favor Weight 20.00%	100 % Arguments in favor are well-explained, easy to understand, identifiable, and convincing. Similar ideas are grouped together and follow a logical order. No opinion is given.	90 % Arguments in favor are mostly well-explained, easy to understand, identifiable, and convincing. Similar ideas are mostly grouped together and follow a logical order. No opinion is given.	80 % Arguments in favor are somewhat well-explained, easy to understand, identifiable, and convincing. Similar ideas are somewhat grouped together and follow a logical order and/or some opinion is given.	70 % Arguments in favor are not very clear, are challenging to understand and lack much persuasion. Similar ideas are mostly not grouped together or mostly don’t follow a logical order and/or a strong opinion is given.	60 % Arguments in favor are unclear, almost impossible to understand and lack persuasion. Similar ideas are not grouped together or don’t follow a logical order and/or a strong opinion is given.	0 % There are no arguments in favor.
Number of Arguments Against and Cited Sources Weight 10.00%	100 % The essay contains 3 arguments against the issue. Each argument cites at least 1 source.	90 % The essay contains 3 arguments against the issue but only 2 of them cite at least 1 source.	80 % The essay contains 2 arguments against the issue and each argument cites at least 1 source, or there are 3 arguments in favor but only 1 argument cites at least 1 source.	70 % The essay contains 1 argument against the issue and cites at least 1 source, or there are 2 arguments in favor but only 1 argument cites at least 1 source.	60 % The essay contains 1 to 3 arguments against the issue but none of them cite any sources.	0 % The essay does not contain any arguments against the issue.
Organization of Arguments Against Weight 20.00%	100 % Arguments against the issue are well-explained, easy to understand, identifiable, and convincing. Similar ideas are grouped together and follow a logical order. No opinion is given.	90 % Arguments against the issue are mostly well-explained, easy to understand, identifiable, and convincing. Similar ideas are mostly grouped together and follow a logical order. No opinion is given.	80 % Arguments against the issue are somewhat well-explained, easy to understand, identifiable, and convincing. Similar ideas are somewhat grouped together and follow a logical order and/or some opinion is given.	70 % Arguments against the issue are not very clear, are challenging to understand and lack much persuasion. Similar ideas are mostly not grouped together or mostly don’t follow a logical order and/or a strong opinion is given.	60 % Arguments against the issue unclear, almost impossible to understand and lack persuasion. Similar ideas are not grouped together or don’t follow a logical order and/or a strong opinion is given.	0 % There are no arguments against.
Closing Paragraph Weight 5.00%	100 % Closing paragraph has a very clear opinion(s) on the topic.	90 % Closing paragraph has a mostly clear opinion(s) on the topic.	80 % Closing paragraph has a somewhat clear opinion(s) on the topic.	70 % Closing paragraph has a weak opinion(s) on the topic.	60 % Closing paragraph contains no opinion on the topic.	0 % There is no closing paragraph.
Grammar, Punctuation, & Spelling Weight 10.00%	100 % Nearly all sentences are clear and concise with no unnecessary words. Almost no errors in grammar or spelling, capitalization or punctuation. Choice and placement of words sound natural and is easy to read.	90 % Most sentences are mostly clear and concise with few unnecessary words. Few errors in grammar or spelling, capitalization or punctuation. Choice and placement of words mostly sounds natural and is easy to read.	80 % Some sentences are clear and concise with some unnecessary words. Some errors in grammar or spelling, capitalization or punctuation. Choice and placement of words sometimes sounds natural and not forced and is sometimes easy to read.	70 % Sentences lack clarity and conciseness with many unnecessary words. Many errors in grammar or spelling, capitalization or punctuation. Choice and placement of words often doesn’t sound natural or forced and is not easy to read.	60 % Fails to provide clear, concise sentences. Full of grammar and/or spelling and punctuation errors. The paper is difficult to read.	0 % It is not possible to understand what the reader is trying to say.
In-Text Citation Format (APA 6th Edition) and Quotations Weight 3.00%	100 % APA style in-text citations contain almost no format errors. No quotations included. Every in-text citation was listed on the References list.	90 % APA style in-text citations contain minor format errors and/or no quotations included and/or one in-text citation was not listed on the References list.	80 % APA style in-text citations contain moderate format errors and/or essay contains one quotation and/or some in-text citations were not listed on the References list.	70 % APA style in-text citations contain major format errors and/or essay contains several quotations and/or many in-text citations were not listed on the References list.	60 % In-text citations do not use APA-style and/or essay contains many quotations and/or most in-text citations were not listed on the References list.	0 % No in-text citations used in the document and/or is full of quotations ad/or none of the in-text citations were listed on the References list.
Reference List Format and Number Cited in the Text (APA 6th Edition) Weight 5.00%	100 % Almost all of the references are in proper APA 6th edition format. All references listed are cited in the text.	90 % The majority of references are in proper APA 6th edition format and/or one reference listed is not cited in the text.	80 % Some of the references are in proper APA 6th edition format and/or 2 references listed are not cited in the text.	70 % Few of the references are in proper APA 6th edition format and/or some references listed are not cited in the text.	60 % None of the references are in proper APA 6th edition format and/or most (or none) of the references listed are not cited in the text.	0 % There is no References list.
Sources Weight 5.00%	100 % The essay contains at least 4 peer-reviewed journal articles or government report sources.	90 % The essay contains at least 3 peer-reviewed journal articles or government report sources	80 % The essay contains at least 2 peer-reviewed journal article or government report sources.	70 % The essay contains at least 1 peer-reviewed journal article or government report source.	60 % The essay does not contain any peer-reviewed journal article or government report sources.	0 % The essay contains no sources.
Timely Submission Weight 5.00%	100 % Submitted early or on-time.	90 % Submission was up to 24 hours past the deadline.	80 % Submission was 24 to 36 hours past the deadline.	70 % Submission was 36 to 48 hours past the deadline.	60 % Submission was 48 to 60 hours beyond deadline or no submission.	0 % Submission was more than 60 hours beyond deadline or no submission.