White Paper

Assessment Rubric

Distinguished Proficient Intermediate Novice

Establishes and

maintains clear focus;

evidence of distinctive

voice and/or appropriate

tone.

Depth and complexity of

ideas supported by rich,

engaging, and/or

pertinent details.

Paper is well organized

with a clear beginning,

middle and end. There is

a strong organizing

theme, with clear main

ideas and transitions.

Evidence of analysis,

reflection and insight.

Use of references

indicate substantial

research.

Careful and suitable

organization.

Variety of sentence

structure and length.

Precise and rich

language.

Focused on a purpose;

evidence of voice and;/or

suitable tone.

Depth of idea

development supported

by elaborated, relevant

details.

Use of references

indicate ample research.

Logical organization.

Controlled and varied

sentence structure.

Acceptable, effective

language.

Few errors in grammar

or format relative to

length and complexity.

An attempt to establish

and maintain purpose

and communicate with

the audience.

Unelaborated idea

development;

unelaborated and/or

repetitious details.

Some references.

Lapses in focus and/or

coherence.

Simplistic and/or

awkward sentence

structure.

Simplistic and/or

imprecise language.

Some errors in grammar

and/or format that do not

interfere with

communication.

Limited awareness of

audience and/or purpose.

Minimal idea

development, limited

and/or unrelated details.

Few references.

Random or weak

organization, unclear

purpose, unclear

relationship and/or

transition between

sections, rambles or may

seem like a list of facts.

Lacks conclusion.

Incorrect or lack of topic

and/or transition

sentences.

Incorrect and/or

ineffective wording

and/or sentence

structure.

Errors in grammar and

format (e.g., spelling,

capitalization,

punctuation, headings)

Revised 5/24/2019