Educate leaders to win in a complex world

ANNEX A: RUBRICS WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT GRADING RUBRIC

24

Student Name: Class-Flow:

TAC Name: Final Grade: of 50 Points

Perfect Above Standard Standard Below Standard TOTAL POINTS SCORE

5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points

Introduction

Memorandum has a clear, concise introduction present that fluidly articulates the essence of the summary and subsequent recommendation. The introduction implicitly outlines the content of the paper and subsequent discussion.

The memorandum has well constructed thesis present that articulates the summary and recommendation. The introduction mentions all of the points subsequently discussed in the memorandum.

A thesis is present and it states the premise of the summary. Supporting evidence may not clearly articulated.

The memorandum is missing a thesis, or the thesis is not clearly articulated. Supporting evidence is not mentioned or mentioned incompletely.

5

5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points

Thesis

The thesis states the bottom lilne of the summary memorandum and is clearly written.

The thesis states the bottom line of the summary memorandum and is clearly written but is less developed or less clear than a perfectly executed memorandum.

The thesis states the bottom line of the summary memorandum.

A thesis is not present or fails to articulate the bottom line of the memorandum.

5

10 points 8 points 6 points 5 points

Analysis & Problem Solving

The memorandum is tightly and logically organized with multiple supporting paragraphs that support the thesis of the paper. Supporting paragraphs are internally logical and relate the evidence to stated thesis.

The memorandum is logically organized with multiple supporting paragraphs that support the thesis of the paper. Supporting paragraphs are mostly logical and generally relate the evidence to stated thesis.

The memorandum is mostly logically organized with multiple supporting paragraphs that generally support the thesis of the paper. Supporting paragraphs are mostly logical and generally relate the evidence to stated thesis.

The memorandum is missing an essential element of the standard. There is little to no supporting evidence or the evidence presented is not logically organized to such a degree as to restrict comprehension. 10

5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points

Conclusion

The conlcusion is clearly written and re- states the introduction without being repetitive. The conclusion utilizes decisive language to reinforce the thesis of the memorandum. The recommendation is consistent with the summary and describes a course of action that is feasible and plausible.

The conlcusion is clearly written and re- states the introduction without being repetitive. The conclusion successfully reinforces the thesis of the memorandum. The recommendation is mostly consistent with the summary and describes a course of action that is essentially feasible and plausible.

The conlcusion re-states the introduction and attempts to reinforce the thesis of the memorandum. The recommendation is mostly consistent with the summary and describes a course of action that is plausible.

The conlcusion either fails to re-state the introductory paragraph or does so in such a manner as not to be understood by the reader. A recommendation is absent or the offered recommendation lacks internal logic or is otherwise not feasible. 5

10 points 8 points 6 points 5 points

Organization

Memorandum is organized and formatted in accordance with AR 25-50 and is free from errors.

Memorandum is organized and formatted in accordance with AR 25-50 and is fgenerally ree from errors, containing only a few errors which do not detract from the reading and understanding of the memorandum.

Memorandum is organized and formatted in accordance with AR 25-50 and is fgenerally ree from errors, and those errors present do not detract from the reading and understanding of the memorandum.

Memorandum is either not organized and formatted in accordance with AR 25-50 or contains such a degree of erros as to restrict the readers understanding of the memorandum.

10

5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points

Style

Words are precise; language is concise and without wordiness and writer's tone is appropriate for audience and purpose. Active Voice predominates. Completely free of first person and second person statements. Overall professional and/or academia style of writing, free of informality, jargon, profanity, or unexplained acronyms.

Words are precise; language is concise and without wordiness and writer's tone is appropriate for audience and purpose. Active Voice predominates. Completely free of first person and second person statements. Overall professional and/or academia style of writing, free of informality, jargon, profanity, or unexplained acronyms.

Words are mostly precise; language is concise and generally without wordiness and writer's tone is appropriate for audience and purpose. Active Voice predominates. Predominately free of first person and second person statements. Overall professional and/or academia style of writing, free of informality, jargon, profanity, or unexplained acronyms.

Words use is absent of precision, and predominately wordy, passive voice or inappropriate for audience and purpose (6 or more uses of PV per page). Written entirely in first or second person and/or with an obvious informal tone that detracts from the paper. In addition to obvious lack of effort, a paper written in the style of an opinion piece found on a blog site or a facebook posting results in 0.

5

10 points 8 points 6 points 5 points

Grammar & Punctuation

The memorandum is without error. All punctuation and grammar is correct and written in standard English.

Minimal mistakes of grammar and punctuation. The memorandum is almost without error with only a minimum number of mistakes that do not significantly detract from the paper.

The memorandum meeets the standard and is correct and generally free of errors, and those errors present do not significantly detract from the readability of the memorandum.

The memorandum fails to meet the standard and has either too many instances of incorrect grammar and punctuation or those instances are so severe as to limit the readability or comprehension of the writing.

10

50 0

Correctness

FINAL GRADE:

You will have 150 minutes to complete this assignment. (30 minutes to read the assigned paper and 120 minutes to write your memorandum.) Your paper will be between approximately 2 pages in length and comply with AR 25-50.

Assessment Criteria Substance

Organization

Style

Assignment

Writing Assessment: Summary Memorandum

Instructions Instructions: The paper must be between 1-2 pages of typed content written IAW the Army writing style, AR 25-50 and the guidance within ST 22-2. This assignment is worth 50 points. As your space is limited, be mindful to keep your paper concise and within the limit. Organization is important in satisfying this writing requirement. Begin with a clearly stated thesis (your BLUF for the summary) in your introduction and use the body of your paper to construct your supporting evidence from the source material. Rationally build your case, leading to the conclusion which should be consistent with your thesis. Avoid using information or comments not directly supporting your thesis. In general, devote one paragraph to one idea, concept, or supporting evidence from the source material. Arrange your sentences in logical order. Do your best to connect your paragraphs with transition sentences. It is usually best to start each paragraph with a strong topic sentence informing the reader what the paragraph contains so that it contributes to the thesis. Be mindful that your memorandum complies with AR 25-50. All documents referenced in your memorandum should be listed in a references paragraph in your memorandum.