1. Format and Adherence to the Assignment (20 pts)
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Headings are clearly distinguished from text by white space, font type, and other characteristics.
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White space is used effectively in the document; items within sections are visibly grouped together.
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Font types and sizes throughout are pleasing to the eye and create a crisp look.
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Functional description includes all necessary sections and information with appropriate headings.
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Bullets are formatted well and appropriately spaced.
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Conventions for indicating titles and sections are effective and consistent.
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Graphics and illustrations are useful and crisp looking.
2. Style and Content (20 pts)
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An appropriate product is selected for the functional description; an appropriate title is given.
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Three sections are included: an overview, a breakdown into parts with descriptions, and a conclusion (on occasion conclusions are unnecessary).
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The introduction section contains the name of the object, origin of the name, a definition, function or behavior of the object, description of the overall appearance with an illustration, and callouts for individual parts. (Make sure the purpose and audience of the document are clear.)
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Breakdown and description of parts section is logically organized, thorough, and breaks into subcomponents, if necessary; description is organized according to function or by location.
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The sources of description of the object such as size, shape, color, texture etc. are provided in either the introduction or breakdown section as appropriate.
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Conclusion summarizes how the object works and how each part contributes to the functioning of the whole.
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Ensure the functional description caters to the target audience and clearly explains content in the audience’s (end-user) terms. The target audience could be the assembler/repairperson, product owners, or prospective buyer.
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Description focuses on physical, quantifiable details of the mechanism and is accurate, specific, and concrete; information is well organized and an appropriate amount of detail is given.
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Simple language and analogies are used to help readers visualize the content.
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Writing is clear, concise, fluid, and establishes the credibility of the writer.
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Paragraphs concentrate on one main idea and begin with a topic sentence that provides transition.
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Regional or culturally specific jargon is eliminated; writing is culturally-sensitive and appropriate to an American audience.
3. Grammar, Mechanics, and Punctuation (10 pts)
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Rules of American English grammar and usage are appropriately applied.
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Spelling is correct and the functional description has been carefully proofread.
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All items in bullet lists are parallel.
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Verb tense is consistent and appropriate; passive voice is avoided.
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Structure and word order follow American English grammar and usage conventions.
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Conventions of capitalization are followed correctly.
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Punctuation rules and conventions are adhered to (apostrophes, parentheses, etc.).
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Expletives (it, there) and unclear demonstratives (this, that, these, those without a noun) are avoided.
© M. Reber
4/16/2020 1