N.N Assigmnent
Rubric for Negative News – Memo option
Element
Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Below Expectations
Points
Received
Format
1. Starts with To, From, Subject, Date
2. Subject is specific 3. Date is spelled out 4. Memo is single spaced and
left justified
5. Memo uses white space effectively
6. Memo uses appropriate headings that accurately
represent the information in
each section (these headings
do not need to be the same
headings used for your
persuasive memo)
7. Headings are "set-off" from the text in some way (Bold,
larger font size, etc)
Clear layout that addresses
all of required format
elements. No distracting
issues that affect how
quickly a reader can scan
the document for pertinent
information.
9-10 points
Clear layout that
addresses most of the
required format elements.
A couple of issues that
may affect how quickly a
reader can scan the
document for pertinent
information.
7-8 points
Three or more missing or
confusing format
elements. A reader will
likely have difficulty
quickly scanning the
document for pertinent
information.
< 7 points
Content
The content addresses all
of the required aspects. It
follows the indirect
approach. The memo
focuses on pertinent
The content addresses
many of the required
elements. It may struggle
in providing pertinent
information, anticipating
The content does not
address many of the
elements. It may be
vague or unclear in its
request. It struggles with
The memo follows the indirect
approach and follows these
guidelines:
• Includes a buffer
• Provides a clear statement of
bad news
• Provides reasons and
anticipates concerns
• Gains acceptance for this
change
• Shows how this negative can
be seen as a positive
• Gives a respectful closing
• Avoids belaboring the bad
news
• Looks at this situation from
the reader’s perspective
information that a reader
would need while also
keeping in mind possible
objections and anticipating
the readers’ concerns. It
views this request from the
reader’s perspective.
52-65 points
possible objections, or
anticipating a reader’s
questions. It views might
occasionally falter with
viewing this request from
the reader’s perspective.
38-51 points
at least two of the
following: providing
pertinent information,
anticipating possible
objections, and
anticipating a reader’s
questions. It struggles
with focusing on the
reader’s perspective.
< 38 points
Tone
• The overall tone is polite and
professional
• The letter maintains goodwill
with the employees
The tone is consistently
professional. There are
little if any concerns
15-20 points
The tone is fairly
professional. There are a
couple of minor issues
that affect how the
document may be
received.
10-14 points
The tone is
unprofessional overall,
or there is at least one
major issue that will
affect how the document
is received.
< 10 points
Proofreading
• Few if any proofreading errors
Two points are taken off for every major grammar error. Those errors are
highlighted in yellow. One point is taken off for all proofreading errors. Those 5
errors are highlighted in green. You may regain points for grammar errors.
Everyone starts with 5 points.
Total