| | Below Level 1 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
| Knowledge / Understanding | Fails to demonstrate an ability to define and recognize sensationalism, and identify it in news coverage | Shows a beginning ability to define and recognize sensationalism, and identify it in news coverage | Shows a developing ability to define and recognize sensationalism, and identify it in news coverage | Shows a competent ability to define and recognize sensationalism, and identify it in news coverage | Shows a confident ability to define and recognize sensationalism, and identify it in news coverage |
| Thinking / Inquiry | Fails to demonstrate an ability to use research and authentication skills to present a more complete picture of developing nations | Shows a beginning ability to use research and authentication skills to present a more complete picture of developing nations | Shows a developing ability to use research and authentication skills to present a more complete picture of developing nations | Shows a competent ability to use research and authentication skills to present a more complete picture of developing nations | Shows a confident ability to use research and authentication skills to present a more complete picture of developing nations |
| Communication | Fails to demonstrate an ability to articulate their views of developing nations | Shows a beginning ability to articulate their views of developing nations | Shows a developing ability to articulate their views of developing nations | Shows a competent ability to articulate their views of developing nations | Shows a confident ability to articulate their views of developing nations |
| Application | Fails to demonstrate an ability to demonstrate how news coverage influences our perception by focusing on particular aspects of developing nations | Shows a beginning ability to demonstrate how news coverage influences our perception by focusing on particular aspects of developing nations | Shows a developing ability to demonstrate how news coverage influences our perception by focusing on particular aspects of developing nations | Shows a competent ability to demonstrate how news coverage influences our perception by focusing on particular aspects of developing nations | Shows a confident ability to demonstrate how news coverage influences our perception by focusing on particular aspects of developing nations |
