This rubric outlines the criteria and grading scale for evaluating a political party assignment in a POL110 class. The assignment requires students to create a new political party, including its name, symbol, slogan, platform on three major issues, and a brochure distinguishing it from other parties. It also requires identifying demographic groups that would support the party. The rubric evaluates these assignment components and writing components like organization, mechanics, APA style, and tone on scales from unsatisfactory to exemplary. Higher scores are given for more original, persuasive, well-supported, and error-free work.

1. POL110 LASA #1 Rubric
NOTE: If a component is absent, student receives a zero for that
component.
Unsatisfactory
Emerging
Proficient
Exemplary
Assignment Components (80% of LASA grade)
Created the name, symbol and slogan of the political party
The name, symbol and slogan of the political party were created
without originality and did not reflect an understanding of the
purpose of symbols and slogans in political persuasion.
The name, symbol, and slogan of the political party were
created with some originality but did not tie well to the purpose
or platform of the party.
The name, symbol, and slogan of the political party were
created with originality and appropriately reflected the purpose
and platform of the party.

2. The name, symbol and slogan of the politcal party were created
with an original, unique, and imaginative approach, likely to
persuade voters by reflecting the party platform.
Provided an evaluation of each (name, symbol, and slogan) and
included its significance
Evaluation and significance of the name, symbol, and slogan
were vague or incomplete.
Evaluation and significance of the name, symbol, and slogan
reflected some thought, but did not delve into how they connect
to the party platform.
Evaluation and significance of the name, symbol, and slogan
were complete, accurate, and linked to the party platform.
Evaluation and significance of the name, symbol, and slogan
provided an elaborate description and were clearly linked to the
party platform.
Distinguished type of political party (single-issue, ideological,
splinter, or broad based political party
Type of politcal party was not distinguished.
Type of politcal party was distinguished, but without much
support or rationale.
Type of politcal party was distinguished appropriately.
Type of politcal party was distinguished in a highly effective
way, including supporting details and examples from the
readings.
Organized platform into the three major issue categories
Platform was not organized into three major issue categories.
Platform was minimally organized into three major issue
categories.
Platform was thoroughly organized into three major issue
categories.
Platform was completely organized into three major issue
categories, with multiple examples and sources of support from

3. the readings.
Explained/Summarized each platform issue
Explanation/summarization of each platform issue was
incomplete.
Explanation/summarization of each platform issue was partially
provided, but minimal support was given.
Explanation/summarization of each platform issue was given
with adequate and appropriate examples and references to the
readings.
Explanation/summarization of each platform issue was given in
detail with multiple insightful examples and references to the
readings and other sources.
Organized brochure or flyer to present the new party and
distinguished it from other political parties
Brochure was not well organized or distinguishable from other
political parties.
Brochure was somewhat organized and distinguishable from
other political parties.
Brochure was thoroughly organized and distinguishable from
other political parties.
Brochure was completely organized and distinguishable from
other political parties. It was creative and both informative and
visually appealing
Identified the demographic groups and regions where the new
party can garner support
Demographic groups were not identified.
One demographic group was identified.
More than one demographic group was effectively identified.
Multiple demographic groups were identified and clear
explanations were provided as to why these groups would likely

4. support the party.
Writing Components (20% of LASA grade)
Organization
Introduction
Thesis
Transitions
Conclusion
Introduction is limited or missing entirely.
The paper lacks a thesis statement.
Transitions are infrequent, illogical, or missing entirely.
Conclusion is limited or missing entirely.
Introduction is present but incomplete or underdeveloped.
The paper is loosely organized around a thesis that may have to
be inferred.
Transitions are sporadic.
Conclusion is present, but incomplete or underdeveloped.
Introduction has a clear opening, provides background
information, and states the topic.
The paper is organized around an arguable, clearly stated thesis
statement.

5. Transitions are appropriate and help the flow of ideas.
Conclusion summarizes main argument and has a clear ending.
Introduction catches the reader’s attention, provides compelling
and appropriate background info, and clearly states the topic.
The paper is well organized around an arguable, focused thesis.
Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas relate.
Conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of closure and
provides concluding insights.
Usage and Mechanics
Grammar
Spelling
Sentence structure
Writing contains numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and/or
sentence structure that severely interferes with readability and
comprehension.
Errors in spelling and grammar exist that somewhat interfere
with readability and/or comprehension.
Writing follows conventions of spelling and grammar
throughout. Errors are infrequent and do not interfere with
readability or comprehension.
The paper is basically error free in terms of mechanics.
Grammar and mechanics help establish a clear idea and aid the

6. reader in following the writer’s logic.
APA Elements
Attribution
Paraphrasing
Quotations
No attempt at APA format.
APA format is attempted to paraphrase, quote, and cite, but
errors are significant.
APA format is utilized to accurately paraphrase, quote and cite
in many spots throughout the paper when appropriate or called
for. Errors present are not major.
APA format is utilized to accurately paraphrase, quote, and cite
throughout the paper when appropriate or called for. No errors
or only few minor errors are present.
Style
Audience
Word Choice
Writing often slips into first and/or second person. Word choice
is consistently inaccurate, unclear, or inappropriate for the
audience.
Writing sometimes slips into first and/or second person. Word
choice is sometimes inaccurate, unclear, or inappropriate for the
audience.
Writing remains in third person throughout writing. Word
choice is accurate, clear and appropriate for the audience.
Writing remains professional in third person throughout writing.

7. Word choice is precise, appropriate for the audience, and
memorable.