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Writing Assessment Rubric Communication Learning Outcome (Undergraduate): Graduates can communicate effectively in written and oral formats for a variety of purposes, situations and audiences. Additionally, students can communicate effectively as both individuals and as part of a group presentation. Performance Criteria

Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Below Expectations

Content Accomplishes purpose of assignment directly and completely in an exceptional manner. All major topics thoroughly supported by specific, accurate, relevant data.

Accomplishes assignment in a capable manner. Covers major topics, but supporting detail somewhat lacking in specificity, accuracy, or references.

Accomplishes purpose of assignment only partially or indirectly. Little or no supporting data, or data presented is not relevant, specific, or accurate.

Organization Exhibits exceptionally clear sense of unity and order, logical transitions, highly effective opening and closing.

Exhibits adequate sense of unity and order, most transitions effective, clear opening and closing.

Lacks sense of unity and order, ineffective/lack of transitions, ineffective opening and closing.

Style (Clarity and Conciseness)

Uses smooth, clear, readable prose in a superior way throughout, no clichés or wordiness, consistently effective word choice.

Uses smooth, clear, readable prose throughout most of paper, few clichés, occasional wordiness, generally appropriate word choice.

Lacks smooth, clear, readable prose, contains clichés and wordiness, generally ineffective word choice.

Grammar and Mechanics

Contains few, if any, errors throughout in use of Standard English rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and usage.

Contains not more than a few errors per page in use of Standard English rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and usage but does not affect overall clarity.

Contains more than a few errors per page in use of Standard English rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and usage that makes the paper unclear or difficult to read.

Citation and Documentation

Correctly and clearly incorporates source material into the paper, documents sources accurately and correctly.

Incorporates no more than a few clarity problems incorporating source material or in documenting sources accurately and correctly.

Frequently incorporates source material unclearly or documents sources inaccurately or incorrectly.

Professionalism Is exceptionally reader-centered, uses positive language, and lacks sexist language and non- relevant references to age, gender, or race.

Is consistently reader-centered, uses positive language, and lacks sexist language and non- relevant references to age, gender, or race.

Is not reader-centered, uses negative or sexist language, or makes non-relevant references to age, gender, or race.

Format Displays an extremely professional, balanced appearance, pages are numbered, and any headings are descriptive, in parallel form, and extremely helpful to the reader.

Displays a professional, reasonably well- balanced appearance, pages are numbered, and any headings are generally descriptive, in parallel form, and helpful to the reader.

Lacks a professional, balanced appearance, pages are not numbered, and/or any headings are not generally descriptive, in parallel form, or helpful to the reader.

Visual Aids (if any) Uses visuals extremely effectively to clarify, simplify, or emphasize numerical data or main points. Visuals are appropriately numbered, labeled, have sources noted, and are mentioned in the text.

Uses visuals fairly effectively to clarify, simplify, or emphasize numerical data or main points. Most visuals are appropriately numbered, labeled, have sources noted, and are mentioned in the text.

Uses visuals ineffectively. Many visuals do not clarify, simplify, or emphasize numerical data or main points. Many visuals are not numbered, fully labeled, have sources noted, or are not mentioned in the text.

Approved 10/31/13