This writing rubric is used to assess written assignments.

1. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Effective Communication Standards Rubric
Standards Emerging (1-3) Acceptable (4-6) Excelling (7-9)
Faulty logic; weak analysis and/or Analyzes and evaluates logically; Synthesizes, analyzes, and
critical thought evident; one-sided effective use of evidence; treats evaluates logically; ample
or biased; evidence missing or different points of view fairly; evidence; extends and explores
linked minimally generally convincing; considers context and/or implications;
1 2 audience, generally uses persuasive; demonstrates clear
Development
Content and
3to the argument; on topic; no or discipline-specific language and consideration of audience,
minimal consideration of appropriate content to demonstrate consistently uses discipline-
audience, uses mainly lay knowledge and understanding specific language and appropriate
language and prescribed content within the field content to demonstrate knowledge
that demonstrates minimal and understanding within the field
knowledge and understanding
within the field
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Organizatio
Unclear or weak thesis and Interesting thesis; clear, logical Intelligent thesis; smooth effective
organization; some transitions; organization; good transitions; organization and transitions;
n and
weak introduction and/or introduction foreshadows introduction indicates
conclusion arguments and conclusion reviews understanding of topic; conclusion
suggests questions or implications
Structure
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Awkward sentences/wording; Clear sentence structure/wording; Clear and varied sentence
grammatical or minor errors in grammar and structure/wording; almost no
Mechanics
spelling/pronunciation errors; spelling/pronunciation; errors in grammar and
inappropriate word choice (e.g. appropriate word choice spelling/pronunciation; effective,
slang, abbreviations, appropriate word choice
contractions); lack of clarity
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Uses one-sided or too few Uses several sufficient, reliable Uses diverse sources
sources; depends upon some sources; uses accurate demonstrating thorough research;
Information
unreliable sources; initial (but not information; understands and analyzes and synthesizes sources’
Literacy
developed) understanding of analyzes information; quotes, arguments (when appropriate);
sources’ arguments; some quoting paraphrases, uses data accurately smooth, correct integration of
and paraphrasing errors quotes, paraphrases, data
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Significant errors in citing or Minor problems in citing or Correct/Appropriate citation and
referencing sources referencing sources referencing of sources
Documentation
APA
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
No page numbers, spacing No page numbers, spacing Page numbering, spacing, # of
inconsistent in more than one inconsistent in one place, short ½ pages, font size, margins as
place, short 1 or more pages, font page, font size too large, one or specified by the professor
Format
size too large, one or more more margins too big, moderate
margins too big, excessive use of overuse of charts or clip art
charts or clip art
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

2. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Effective Communication Standards Rubric