| Criteria | Exemplary | Proficient | Developing | Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event Selection | Selects highly significant events that thoroughly represent the time period. | Selects mostly important events relevant to the topic. | Some events are relevant but key ones are missing. | Events chosen are random or insignificant to the topic. |
| Historical Accuracy | All dates, names, and descriptions are completely accurate and well-researched. | Most information is accurate with minor errors. | Several factual errors in dates or descriptions. | Information is largely inaccurate or fabricated. |
| Visual Design | Timeline is visually engaging with consistent formatting, images, and clear readability. | Timeline is neat and organized with some visual elements. | Timeline is somewhat messy or hard to read. | Timeline is disorganized and visually confusing. |
| Historical Connections | Explains cause-and-effect relationships between events with insightful analysis. | Identifies some connections between events on the timeline. | Attempts connections but they are vague or inaccurate. | Does not identify any relationships between events. |
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