Writing Assignment

Excellent – 100%

Proficient – 85%

Satisfactory – 75%

Needs Improvement – 65%

Unsatisfactory – 10%

Does Not Meet Requirements – 0%

Content – 20%

The student has synthesized all material at a level consistent with excellent standards of professional writing.

The student has mostly synthesized material in a manner consistent with high standards of professional writing, although some minor flaws may be evident.

The student has synthesized material in a satisfactory manner but did not fully explore the material.

The student has synthesized some of the material but did not provide ample material for consideration.

The student has not synthesized the material and has only provided snapshots of information.

Does not meet minimum requirements.

Format – 20%

The student has followed the instructions carefully and has used the appropriate formatting for letters, memos, reports, resumes, and e-mails. Error Free.

The student has followed most of the instructions and has used the appropriate formatting in most cases. Less than three errors.

The student has followed much, but not all, of the information and instructions provided. More than three errors.

Student does not demonstrate a clear ability to incorporate visual design elements to enhance written material.

The student has not synthesized the material and has only provided snapshots of information.

Does not meet minimum requirements.

Tone – 20%

The student has demonstrated an excellent ability to identify and adapt positive and negative messages to a variety of audiences; to construct documents that are non-sexist, non-racist, non-ageist, and bias-free; and to compose documents that express goodwill, positive emphasis, and reader benefits.

The student has mostly demonstrated an understanding of tone, professionalism, bias-free language and audience awareness, although some minor flaws may be evident.

The student has demonstrated a satisfactory understanding of tone, professional-ism, bias-free language and audience awareness, but additional attention is needed in this area.

The student has demonstrated some understanding of tone, professionalism, bias-free language and audience awareness, but significant attention is needed in this area.

The student has not followed the requirements as directed.

Does not meet minimum requirements.

Organization – 10%

Organization of letters, memos, reports, resumes, and e-mails is logical and completed with skill and finesse. Paragraphs are well developed and well composed. Transitions are strong and tie idea to idea, and paragraph to paragraph.

Competent organization completed in a logical manner. Paragraph structures are competent. Transitions may be weak.

Organization is weak and lacks cohesiveness. Body text of documents loses focus and paragraphs may be weak. Transitions are hard to follow; text does not flow logically but may jump from point to point.

Organization is weak and hard to follow. Key information is missing or vague. Paragraph structures are flawed or inconsistent. No transitions.

The student has not followed the requirements as directed.

Does not meet minimum requirements.

Grammar, Spelling, and Language – 20%

The student evidences mastery of syntax and diction and has followed the rules of English grammar and mechanics.

The student evidences appropriate language skills and has less than three grammar and mechanics errors.

The student evidences some use of appropriate language and has less than six grammar and mechanics errors.

The student uses language deemed inappropriate for a business or professional environment and has more than ten grammar and mechanics errors.

The student has not used language consistent with college-level writing and has extensive grammar errors.

Does not meet minimum requirements.

Visual Design – 10%

Student demonstrates a strong ability to incorporate visual design elements—pictures, graphics, charts, or other media—to support and enhance written material.

Student demonstrates a proficient ability to incorporate visual design elements, although some areas for improvement exist.

Student demonstrates some ability to incorporate visual design elements, although significant areas for improvement exist.

Student does not demonstrate a clear ability to incorporate visual design elements to enhance written material.

The student has not followed the requirements as directed.

Does not meet minimum requirements.