Written Communication Criteria

Written Communication Rubric - Global Miami Plan, 2017
Criterion 1 - Does not meet 2 - Minimally meets 3 - Meets 4 - Meets to Highest Level N/A Score
How effectively does the writer convey the message or purpose to the intended audience?  You (the reader) are unable to identify the purpose or message of the document. You have some understanding of the purpose or message but remain unclear about some aspects.

You can identify a clear message or purpose, and there exists a general sense of audience awareness.

The message of the document is thoughtful and conveys a nuanced understanding of the audience.
Are the claims appropriately supported by evidence?

Content and evidence do not support the message and purpose. In most places, more information or details are needed, or inappropriate information or details are used.

Content and evidence generally support the message and purpose, but in a number of places, more information or details are needed or inappropriate details or information are used. Content and evidence support the message and purpose quite well, but in a few places more information or details are needed or inappropriate information or details are used. Content and evidence thoroughly and insightfully support the document’s message and purpose.

Is the organization appropriate for the audience, genre (type of writing), and purpose?

Not well organized; you cannot follow it that well; it leaves you more confused than clarified; sections and information seem significantly out of order and/or are missing.

Organization is just “okay”: you can follow it in many places, but it seems disjointed and coherence within/among ideas/sections isn’t always clear. Solid organization; in a few places the coherence within and between ideas/sections may be a little rough. All parts of the writing are clear and the coherence within and between ideas/sections works seamlessly and effectively
Are the style and tone appropriate for the audience, genre (type of writing), and purpose?

Style and tone are inappropriate for the audience, genre and purpose.

Style and tone are generally appropriate; however, some inappropriate breaks and inconsistencies exist. Overall it’s readable, but it doesn’t grab your attention in rhetorically appropriate ways as well as it could. Style and tone are appropriate; however, minor inconsistencies and breaks (e.g., “filler” or “fluff” text in parts, clichés). Mostly grabs your attention in rhetorically appropriate ways. A solid fit with the genre. Style and tone are fluent, elegant; appropriate concision is used. Grabs your attention in rhetorically appropriate ways. For its genre and purpose, it really stands out.

Is the document designed or formatted appropriately for the audience, genre, and purpose (includes use of tables and figures)?

The document design and formatting choices are inappropriate, seriously hindering readability and effectiveness.

The formatting and design choices are generally appropriate for the audience, genre and purpose, but multiple breaks and inconsistencies interfere with understanding or impact of the piece. The formatting and design choices are appropriate for the audience, genre and purpose. A few minor breaks and inconsistencies exist but none that are too distracting. The formatting and design choices are appropriate and insightful, improving the overall message or effectiveness of the document. Document does not call for special design or formatting.

Is the document appropriately and thoroughly proofread and copyedited for the audience, purpose and genre (type of writing)?

Grammatical, spelling, and/or punctuation errors are glaring and problematic, distracting significantly from the document’s message.

Multiple grammatical, spelling and/or punctuation errors exist that somewhat distract from message.

A few minor errors but none that distract too much from the message.

No errors or just 1 or 2 very minor ones which are acceptable within the parameters of the rhetorical situations and genre.

Is evidence documented and cited correctly for the audience, purpose and genre (type of writing)?

It is difficult to figure out the source information. Either there are no research citations or the citations have significant errors (e.g., inconsistent documentation, inaccurate or missing important information, rather than minor formatting errors).

You can figure out the source information, but the research citations have some errors (minor info missing, wrong order, multiple gaps or inconsistencies in documentation style). Source information is accurate and present, but a few of the research citations include minor errors (few gaps or breaks in citation style). Research citations are used perfectly or with just one or two very minor errors (e.g., typos, spelling). Writing does not call for citations.

Total Score