Written Assighnment

Written Assignment Rubric

The following rubric shows key performance criteria for all written work and the projected possible points that can be earned at each

level of performance.

Needs Improvement

0-23 pts

Satisfactory

26 pts

Excellent

30 pts

Concepts

& Focus Points Earned

_____/30

 Knowledge -The content demonstrates little knowledge and understanding of course

content. It seldom or never references

course concepts and rarely or never uses

appropriate terminology.

 There may be unnecessary content or content that fails to focus on the critical

issues.

 Failure to include or inclusion of poor quality references as required.

 The content of the paper is inconsistent with the assignment guidelines and/or

expected length.

 Knowledge -The content is mostly accurate and demonstrates some knowledge and

understanding of course concepts. It

references course concepts and sometimes

uses appropriate terminology.

 Usually focuses on the critical issues as assigned.

 Includes only some required high quality scholarly references as assigned (e.g.,

three); quality may not be high.

 The content of the paper is mostly consistent with the assignment guidelines

and expected length.

 Knowledge -The content is accurate and clearly demonstrates a high level of

knowledge and understanding of course

concepts. It references course concepts

and always uses appropriate terminology.

 Clear consistent focus on the critical issues as assigned. Responds to the

purpose of the assignment in a complete

way.

 Includes the required number (or more) of high quality scholarly references as

assigned (e.g., three).

 The content of the paper is consistent with the assignment guidelines and

expected length.

Criteria

Needs Improvement

0-23 pts

Satisfactory

26 pts

Excellent

30 pts

Analysis Points Earned

_____/30

 Depth of Analysis - Analysis is performed at a superficial level with little or no

evidence of critical thinking through sound

logic and reasoning backed up with

concepts.

 Synthesis - Content seldom synthesizes information & perspectives. Shows little

ability to see the holistic view of how

 Depth of Analysis - Analysis is performed with some degree of depth and usually

reflects critical thinking through sound

logic and reasoning backed up with

concepts.

 Synthesis - Content sometimes synthesizes information & perspectives. Shows some

ability to see the holistic view of how

 Depth of Analysis - Analysis is performed at the requisite depth and

reflects critical thinking through sound

logic and reasoning backed up with

concepts.

 Synthesis - Content consistently synthesizes information & perspectives

at a high level. Shows a high degree of

Criteria

organizational systems and processes

interact to affect organizational

effectiveness.

 Paper may summarize readings or case without proper application of ideas.

organizational systems and processes

interact to affect organizational

effectiveness.

 Paper may present some summary beyond what is needed to analyze the topic.

ability to see the holistic view of how

organizational systems and processes

interact to affect organizational

effectiveness.

 The paper presents original thought/analysis and does not merely

summarize from the case or readings.

Needs Improvement

0-19 pts

Satisfactory

21 pts

Excellent

25 pts

Organization

& Writing Points Earned

_____/25

 The introduction (or conclusion) is lacking or doesn’t adequately align with the

purpose of the assignment.

 The basic development of the paper may or may not be evident; points are not always

linked one to the other, paragraph to

paragraph.

 The conclusion, if one, is weak in its development.

 The thought process is not readily followed—ideas often don’t clearly flow

one to the other.

 Sentences are sometimes clear but can be quite wordy and with some ambiguity.

 Tone may be inappropriate or inconsistent at times.

 Grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation rules are violated.

 The writing style, format, and tone may be inconsistent throughout the paper.

 There is a beginning (introduction), middle (body), and end (conclusion) to the essay--

paper is structured in support of its

purpose.

 Most paragraphs are coherent and logical in structure.

 The conclusion is adequately developed.

 The thought process is followed—ideas are related but don’t always clearly flow one to

the other.

 Sentences usually are well constructed and readable.

 Sentence transitions are sometimes present to maintain the flow of thought.

 Grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation rules are largely followed.

 The writing style, format, and tone are mostly consistent throughout.

 There is a clear beginning (introduction), middle (body), and end (conclusion) to

the essay-- paper is logically structured

in support of its purpose.

 Paragraphs consistently are coherent and logical in structure.

 The conclusion is well developed and ties back to main idea or to the thesis

presented in the introduction.

 The thought process is easily followed— ideas are connected and flow one to the

other.

 Transitions are used effectively within and between paragraphs.

 Sentences are well constructed, consistently strong, and varied.

 Sentence transitions are always present and maintain a clear and coherent flow of

thought.

 Rules of grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation are followed.

 The writing style, format, and tone are consistent throughout.

Criteria

Needs Improvement

0-11 pts

Complies with only a few or does not

comply with current APA guidelines.

Satisfactory

13 pts

In compliance with most APA standards &

guidelines (e.g., references, headings,

citations, spacing, margins).

Excellent

15 pts

Fully complies with current APA standards

& guidelines (e.g., references, headings,

citations, spacing, margins).

Structure/

APA Style Criteria &

Points Earned

_____/15

Other:

Total Points:

_____/100

Note: This rubric is provided for advance guidance. Please be aware that additional criteria may be added after grading has begun if

needed for a specific assignment and points reallocated accordingly.