Writing a indirect and direct Memos

Excellent

Adequate

Inadequate

Audience Focus

Each document clearly is tailored for a specific audience, taking into account audience characteristics, informational needs, and the rhetorical situation.

Each document is written for a specific audience, but there is an overall generality to the text. Writer isn’t considering specific needs of the audience or is taking the same rhetorical approach no matter who the audience is.

Documents don’t demonstrate enough consideration of audience. Large portions may essentially be copied/pasted from one memo to the next with only minor changes. The writer hasn’t considered the rhetorical situation.

Clear & Concise Writing

Little to no excess/redundant phrasing or content while maintaining a high level of substance. There are no clarity issues in the text.

There may be some wordiness, but overall the text is well edited and concise. Clarity issues are minimal.

Lacking effective editing which results in wordiness, redundancies, & lack of substance. There are clarity issues that impact the text’s effectiveness.

Grammatical/

Structural Writing Competences

Well written in all respects, with a minimum number of errors in grammar, usage, punctuation, structure, style, and spelling.

Basic grammar and sentence/paragraph structure are adequate, but some errors in usage, punctuation, style or spelling are present.

Frequent inadequacies in one or more of the basic competencies impedes understanding of the text.

Overall Formatting, Layout & Accessibility

Documents use formatting techniques effectively to convey information. Careful consideration has been given to not only what is being said but also how it is presented on the page. Crucial information has been highlighted to make it more accessible.

Documents demonstrate that some thought was given to formatting and organization, but student missed clear opportunities to make information more accessible. Formatting considerations may be inconsistent, only showing up in one or two of the documents and not in others.

Documents demonstrate little consideration of formatting and organizational techniques. Typically characterized by large, block paragraphs and text-heavy presentation. Important information isn’t highlighted in any substantial way.

Structure/

Organization

Documents demonstrate effective Memo/Email conventions (i.e. subject line, intro, body, conclusion). Student uses direct or indirect organizational patterns clearly and appropriately.

Documents demonstrate acceptable Memo/Email conventions, but areas such as subject line and conclusion may not be as specific/useful as they could be. Student clearly understands the difference between direct and indirect organization, but they may not make a large enough distinction between the two or they may use them in inappropriate situations.

Documents are missing components (i.e. subject line or separate conclusion) or show poor development. Student doesn’t adequately demonstrate an understanding of the differences between direct or indirect organization.