GECCo Assessment: Written Communication, Fall 2013
Rubric for Written Assignments
Purpose,
thesis &
significance
Does Not Meet
Approaches
Meets Expectations
Expectations
Expectations
2
0
1
The central
The central purpose is not The central purpose is
purpose/significance is
consistently clear
clear, but there are some
unclear; no thesis statement. throughout the paper.
digressions from it.
No distinct introduction,
body, or conclusions. Poorly
organized. The reader
Organization &
cannot identify a line of
synthesis
reasoning.
Content
Grammar/
spelling
Diction/ Style
Introduction and
conclusions poorly
developed. Generally
organized logically. The
reader is fairly clear about
what writer intends
Introduction and
conclusions moderately
developed. Body is
organized thematically &
logically. Ideas usually
clearly linked to each
other.
Central purposes are not
Information supports the
Information provides
addressed. Analysis is
central purposes at times. reasonable support for the
vague or not evident.
Analysis is basic or
central purposes and
Reader is confused or may
general. Reader gains few displays evidence of a
be misinformed. Claims are insights. The paper
basic analysis of the topic.
not supported by evidence or provides some support for Reader gains some
evidence is not appropriate
claims, but evidence and insights. Paper provides
for the given discipline.
claims are not properly
appropriate support, and
integrated
evidence and claims
generally work in concert
There are so many errors
that meaning is obscured.
The writing has many
errors.
The tone is inappropriate for
the assignment. Writing does
not engage the reader.
Many words may be used
inappropriately. Paragraph
breaks are not used to
structure text.
The tone is not
consistently appropriate
for the assignment.
Limited word choice,
some words used
inappropriately. Some
awkward sentence
construction. Ineffective
use of paragraphs.
There are occasional
errors, but they don't
represent a major
distraction or obscure
meaning.
The tone is generally
appropriate for the
assignment. The writing
generally flows smoothly.
Word choice is generally
good. Use of paragraphs
is largely effective.
Exceeds Expectations
3
The central purpose is readily
apparent to the reader; the thesis
statement is clear. Significance of
subject is clear.
Distinct and functional introduction
and conclusions. The ideas are
arranged logically to support the
central purposes. The ideas flow
smoothly from one to another and
are clearly linked to each other.
Balanced presentation of relevant
and legitimate information that
clearly supports the central
purposes and shows a thoughtful,
in-depth analysis. Reader gains
important insights. Paper provides
appropriate support, and the paper's
claims develop in relation to the
support provided.
The writing is free or almost free of
errors.
The tone is consistently appropriate
for the assignment. Writing is
exciting and reader is engaged in
subject. The writing flows smoothly.
Word choice is consistently precise
and accurate. Paragraphs breaks
are used effectively to structure the
paper.