Grading Workshop: Sample Assignment
Letter or Memo – 20%
1)
2)
3)
Select one of the scenarios in the chart below and write a letter or memo using the guidelines outlined in this module.
The expected word count is a MAXIMUM of 250 words. The point of this exercise is to be persuasive, concise, and
succinct.
Please submit your assignment using Blackboard.
Persuasive
Memo
Bad News Letter
Accolades
Memo
Disciplinary
Memo
Your Choice
You are involved in a charitable campaign in your organization. Your organization is competing with another
organization to see which can raise more funds for the charity. You have been tasked to write a memo to
persuade your team to donate their time and/or money to ensure that your organization raises the most
funds for the charity.
Your organization has recently recalled a product that has been offered for many years. Your job is to write
a letter to the customers to inform them of the recall and offer them an alternative. Remember to stay
focused on the positive.
You are the supervisor of 3 employees in your organization. You have noted recently that one of your
employees, John, has been going out of his way to help the customers and has been proposing many new
ideas that have helped increase business. You feel that John should be recognized for his initiative and
customer service. Write a memo to be sent to your manager to discuss John’s performance.
As the manager of your department, you have notice that your employee Frank has been arriving late since
his last performance review. There have been numerous dates where he has called in sick or simply not
come into work. Write a letter to Frank discussing his performance issues.
You might have a situation in your workplace that requires you to write a memo or letter. Please share any
background information on why this letter or memo is being written.
HOW YOU WILL BE GRADED
CATEGORY
Message/Audience
3
The writer has identified the
message and audience in a
creative manner. The
introduction creatively and
concisely identifies the position
and grabs the reader’s interest.
2
The message and audience is
clear. Introduction identifies the
position, but doesn’t effectively
grab the reader’s attention.
1
The message and audience is
unclear and it is hard to
understand the writer’s
position.
Organization
Letter is written and organized
in a logical way. The writer’s
intent is very clear and concise.
Letter is written and organized
in a logical way. The writer’s
intent is clear.
Word Choice
The writer uses a wide variety of
transitional words/phrases and
powerful words.
The tone used is appropriate
and suitable for a business letter
or memo.
Contains no grammatical errors.
The format used for the letter or
memo is consistent with
recommendations in this
module.
The writer uses some
transitional words/phrases and
powerful words.
The tone used is somewhat
appropriate for a business
letter.
Contains a few grammatical
errors that do not affect the
meaning of the letter. The
format used is consistent with
the recommendations in this
module.
Letter is somewhat
disorganized and as a result
the writer’s intent is
muddled.
The writer uses few
transitional words/phrases
and powerful words.
The tone used is not
appropriate or suitable for a
business letter.
Contains many grammatical
errors that interfere with
understanding the letter. The
format used is not
appropriate.
Voice/Tone
Mechanics/Format
Comments:
Total
Grand Total