Rubric for Written Communication (Graduate 2021-2022)

Graduate

Line of Reasoning* Organization and Structure Content Language/Prose/Syntax
4
(Advanced)
    • Thesis is highly refined and well developed.
    •  Argument is complex and coherent and demonstrates a strong line of logical reasoning supported by evidence.
 Organization of ideas/information is highly advanced and well organized.
    • Synthesizes original insight into the content.
    • Highly developed argument provides innovative solution to a well-defined problem.
    • Demonstrates application of the solution.
 Ideas expressed in professional and technical language appropriate to the discipline; complex ideas are expressed clearly.
3
(Competent)
    • Composes a well-defined thesis that is supported by coherent and relevant arguments.
    • Argument is coherent and develops a clear line of logical reasoning.
 Organization of ideas/information is well planned and organized; structure enhances the message or argument.
    • Exhibits original insight into the content.
    • Content illuminates the argument and/or message.
 Uses grammatically correct prose that is highly appropriate to the audience; paper successfully utilizes complex sentence structures; prose is articulate and sophisticated.
2
(Emerging)
    • Constructs an identifiable thesis with some gaps or inconsistencies in reasoning.
    • Minor gaps in logic but the overall argument is linear and coherent
 Some organizational problems evident.
    • Content is adequately addressed.
    • Content generally supports main argument.
 Minor problems with grammar or punctuation, but sentences generally make sense; sentence structure is simplistic; prose may be conversational or somewhat inappropriate for purpose of the assignment or the audience.
1
(Beginning)
    • Thesis is weak, unclear or too broad for assignment, but has some relevance to the body of essay or presentation.
    • Paper utilizes only marginally coherent set of ideas; connections between some ideas and arguments are missing or underdeveloped.
 Some attempt at organizing ideas/information but reasoning for that ordering is not apparent.
    • Content is only superficially addressed.
    • Content does not fully support main argument.
 Exhibits grammatical problems but overall meaning of sentences is not totally obscured; prose may not reflect an understanding of standard English or other language used; may lack an understanding of the purpose of the assignment or the audience.

* This column is used to simultaneously assess critical thinking

Download PDF: Written Communication Rubric (Graduate)