Essay 1: Assignment Topics and Instructions

Written Communication VALUE Rubric

Proficient

Possible points: 15-20

Competent

Possible points: 8-14

Novice

Possible points: 0-7

Context of and Purpose for Writing

Includes considerations of audience, purpose, and the circumstances surrounding the writing task(s).

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of context, audience, and purpose that is responsive to the assigned task(s) and focuses all elements of the work.

Demonstrates adequate consideration of context, audience, and purpose and a clear focus on the assigned task(s) (e.g., the task aligns with audience, purpose, and context).

Demonstrates awareness of context, audience, purpose, and to the assigned tasks(s) (e.g., begins to show awareness of audience's perceptions and assumptions).

Demonstrates minimal attention to context, audience, purpose, and to the assigned tasks(s) (e.g., expectation of instructor or self as audience).

Content Development

Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to illustrate mastery of the subject, conveying the writer's understanding, and shaping the whole work.

Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to explore ideas within the context of the discipline and shape the whole work.

Uses appropriate and relevant content to develop and explore ideas through most of the work.

Uses appropriate and relevant content to develop simple ideas in some parts of the work.

Organization

Organizational pattern (specific introduction and conclusion, sequenced material within the body, and transitions) is clearly and consistently observable and is skillful and makes the content of the paper cohesive.

Organizational pattern (specific introduction and conclusion, sequenced material within the body, and transitions) is clearly and consistently observable within the paper.

Organizational pattern (specific introduction and conclusion, sequenced material within the body, and transitions) is intermittently observable within the paper.

Organizational pattern (specific introduction and conclusion, sequenced material within the body, and transitions) is not observable within the paper..

Language

Language choices are imaginative, memorable, and compelling, and enhance the effectiveness of the paper. Language in paper is appropriate to audience.

Language choices are thoughtful and generally support the effectiveness of the paper. Language in paper is appropriate to audience.

Language choices are mundane and commonplace and partially support the effectiveness of the paper. Language in paper is appropriate to audience.

Language choices are unclear and minimally support the effectiveness of the paper. Language in paper is not appropriate to audience.

Control of Syntax and Mechanics

Uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error-free.

Uses straightforward language that generally conveys meaning to readers. The language in the portfolio has few errors.

Uses language that generally conveys meaning to readers with clarity, although writing may include some errors.

Uses language that sometimes impedes meaning because of errors in usage.