Essay Phil

Written Communication Rubric

Definition

Written communication is the development and expression of ideas in writing. Written communication involves learning to work in many genres and styles. It

can involve working with many different writing technologies, and mixing texts, data, and images. Written communication abilities develop through iterative

experiences across the curriculum.

Criteria 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 choices are

thoughtful and generally

support the effectiveness of

the paper. Language in paper

Language choices are

mundane and commonplace

and partially support the

effectiveness of the paper.

Language choices are unclear

and minimally support the

effectiveness of the paper.

Language in paper is not

Criteria Proficient

Possible points: 15-20

Competent

Possible points: 8-14

Novice

Possible points: 0-7

Language in paper is

appropriate to audience.

is appropriate to audience. Language in paper is

appropriate to audience.

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.