Writing Rubric

The five-category framework used to assess all ADMN 233 assignments. Knowing what markers look for in each category lets you self-edit before submitting.

The Five Categories

1. Content

What the marker checks:

• All required elements included within the word count
• Clear understanding of the topic
• Audience targeting appropriate to the given purpose
• Quality, original ideas
• All sources of wording and ideas cited in APA style
• Assignment goals and scenario requirements met

Related concepts: AudienceAnalysis, CommunicationGoals, PASFramework

2. Organization

What the marker checks:

• Clear, logical structure within each paragraph and across the whole document
• Effective introduction and conclusion
• Smooth transitions within sentences, between sentences, and between paragraphs
• No repeated points or tangents

Related concepts: WritingProcess (Step 2 — Organizing), PASFramework

3. Mechanics & Grammar

What the marker checks:

• Correct spelling and capitalization
• Correct punctuation
• Correct grammar rules applied
• Proper syntax
• Correct and effective paragraph structure

Related concepts: CQualities (Correct, Consistent)

4. Writing Style

What the marker checks:

• Conventions of the genre followed (email vs. report vs. memo)
• Appropriate tone for the audience and context
• Consistent, sustained voice
• Appropriate vocabulary and expression
• Clarity and conciseness throughout

Related concepts: CQualities (Clear, Concise, Compelling, Courteous), Wordiness

5. Presentation & Formatting

What the marker checks:

• Document genre conventions applied
• Standard, readable font and line spacing
• Titles, headings, and subheadings used for navigation
• Key passages highlighted with bolding or italics where appropriate
• Visual aids (tables, graphs, images) used effectively and as necessary
• Layout techniques: margins, whitespace, text alignment
• Professional overall appearance

Related concepts: DocumentDesign

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Mapping to the 8 C Qualities

Rubric Category	C Qualities
Content	Compelling, Credible, Concrete
Organization	Clear, Consistent
Mechanics & Grammar	Correct
Writing Style	Concise, Courteous, Clear
Presentation & Formatting	Consistent (visual), Correct (format conventions)

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Diagram

graph TD
    R[Writing Rubric] --> C1[1. Content]
    R --> C2[2. Organization]
    R --> C3[3. Mechanics & Grammar]
    R --> C4[4. Writing Style]
    R --> C5[5. Presentation & Formatting]

    C1 --> AA[AudienceAnalysis]
    C1 --> CG[CommunicationGoals]
    C2 --> WP[WritingProcess]
    C2 --> PAS[PASFramework]
    C3 --> CQ[CQualities]
    C4 --> W[Wordiness]
    C4 --> CQ
    C5 --> DD[DocumentDesign]

Key Points for Exam/Study

• All five categories apply to both assignments — not just Assignment 2
• Writing Style and Presentation are explicitly graded; don’t treat them as afterthoughts
• “Content” includes audience targeting and APA compliance, not just subject accuracy
• Transitions (Organization) are a common feedback point — make every paragraph connection explicit
• The rubric maps almost perfectly onto the 8 C Qualities — knowing the Cs is knowing the rubric