Economics

Last updated March, 2014

Rubric for Written Communication Skills

Learning Goal

Our graduates will be able to explain economic analysis in ways appropriate for a range of stakeholders.

Learning Objectives

Research, plan and produce written assignments meeting academic and professional standards.

Construct clear and well-presented analysis of economic issues and problems.

Trait Exemplary (E) Satisfactory (S) Unsatisfactory (U) E/S/U

Structure and style Document, paragraph and sentence structure, flow and layout, appropriate to task.

Thoughtful document structure and style. Well considered sentence construction; logical flow; well executed presentation and style appropriate for task and audience.

Document design and presentation adequate; not overly repetitive; some variety in sentence construction; generally flows well; style conventions appropriate for task and audience.

Overall presentation of the document is not to a professional standard; repetitive or simplistic sentence structure; disjointed, lack of flow; style inappropriate for audience and task.

Clarity and conciseness Answers the question, succinct, appropriate complexity.

Argument effectively and efficiently conveyed; focused on the question; main points, argument and conclusions/insights easily understood.

Argument reasonably clear; occasionally misses the point but answers the question; not over-elaborate or over-complicated.

Main points and/or argument confused/unclear. Irrelevant information, poor transition between ideas. Conclusion unclear.

Technical writing skills Spelling, punctuation, grammar, general proofreading.

Very few spelling errors, correct punctuation, grammatically correct, complete sentences.

Occasional lapses in spelling, punctuation, grammar, but not enough to seriously distract the reader.

Numerous spelling errors, incorrect punctuation, and/or severe errors in grammar that interfere with understanding.

Vocabulary Originality, breadth, appropriateness, variety.

Highly appropriate, well chosen, precise and varied vocabulary. Consistently uses correct words and discipline-specific terminology appropriately.

Generally appropriate vocabulary; not overly repetitive. Generally uses correct words and discipline-specific terminology.

Excessively limited or inappropriate or repetitive vocabulary. Misuses discipline- specific terminology.

Referencing Sources acknowledged; uses appropriate1 referencing system consistently and correctly.

Sources acknowledged; generally uses appropriate1 referencing system correctly

Does not attempt to use APA (or accepted alternative1) referencing system.

Academic Integrity Appropriate use of others’ work, acknowledged via in- text citations.

Sources appear to be acknowledged.

Work appears to be not adequately referenced or attributed.

Holistic judgement Exemplary written communication.

Satisfactory written communication.

Unsatisfactory written communication.

1 APA is the VBS standard. Lecturers may either require an alternative when APA is not appropriate or accept an alternative – in both cases guidance must be provided.