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1. Content – 10 points
 Website expertly explores the chosen topic as evidenced by depth of information, inclusion of supporting details, and a variety of sources.
 All content is accurate, credible, current, and supported by citations.
 Media elements (e.g. movies, photoessays, digital stories) include a concise written synopsis that enhances the portrayal of the topic.

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2. Writing & Organization – 10 points
 Website is written in English using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
 Writing is concise and easy to understand.
 Content is effectively organized so as to hold the reader’s attention and easily transition between sections.

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3. Originality – 10 points
 Website is creative and original in its approach to presenting the topic.
 A variety of information sources are used, including primary sources such as interviews, surveys, personal observations, and original artwork or multimedia recordings.
 Written content, and where appropriate, photographs and artwork are clearly the original work of the students.
 The majority of written content is not paraphrased or copied from outside sources.
 Website structure, design and style are unique and original.
 Please see Rules for Information on Plagiarism and Fair Use Rules as any violation can result in the Entry’s disqualification.

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4. Educational Relevance – 10 points
 Content is written and organized for a student audience.
 Team effectively describes its intended audience and relevance to teaching and learning according to the purpose of the website, preferably as an introduction and restated where needed.
 All content (e.g. written, media elements) is educational and informative.

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5. Global Impact – 10 points
 Team has selected a topic of global importance and maintained that focus throughout.
 Website proactively presents diverse viewpoints on the topic, with clear differentiation between opinion and fact.
 Website intentionally raises awareness, presents action steps, and/or effectively engages others in addressing the issue and in making a difference.

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6. Citations – 10 points
 All sources used to research and create the website are clearly identified and credited on the relevant page and on a summary citations page.
 In-text references are effectively utilized throughout the website.
 If the website includes text, images, or other legally protected materials (e.g. copyrighted information, images, audio, video), permission to use these materials is clearly stated or noted as public domain. Please see Rules for Copyright and Fair Use.
 Citations are credible and thorough enough to verify content.

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7. Collaboration – 10 points
 The About Us pages and/or other elements within the website includes candid narrative(s) on how the team worked together to create the website, divide tasks, share responsibilities, and overcome challenges. This narrative needs to be included in the Site Profile when entering the international ThinkQuest competition.
 Students share reflections on difficulties encountered, group problem solving, and teamwork as experienced during the competition.

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8. Team Diversity – 10 points
 Student team members come from multiple socioeconomic backgrounds, cultural groups, or have overcome other challenges to participate.
 Team effectively utilizes their diversity to explore and present the topic.
 The About Us pages and/or website explain how the team is diverse and the role diversity played in the development of the website as a whole. When entering the international ThinkQuest competition, this needs to be included in the Site Profile as well.

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9. Website Structure, Appearance and Function – 10 points
 The site’s design and layout make it easy to use. Every page is visually well organized.
 Colors, fonts, and overall layout are creative, artistic, consistent across the website and do not interfere with the ability to easily read content.
 There are limited or no technical problems (e.g. broken links or images, missing files, etc.).

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10. Media Use – 10 points
 Creative and purposeful use of media (e.g. images, audio, video, animation, games, interactive features, etc.) enhances the presentation of information by engaging the user more deeply and illustrating key concepts.
 All media elements are an essential component creating understanding and emotional impact.

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Total Score