CASE 2

Written Communication Assessment 20%

1

Did not meet expectations

2

Met expectations

3

Exceeded expectations

Writing Conventions

(grammar, word use, punctuation, mechanics)

Frequent

grammatical errors

and misspellings

inhibit readability

Informal language,

abbreviations and

slang are used

Few grammatical errors

and misspellings (e.g.

three or fewer per page)

Correct verb tense used

Paragraphs flow from

one to another Active

voice pervasive

Free of grammatical errors

and misspellings

Effective verb tense used

Uses phrases and

construction that delight as

well as inform the reader

Primarily active voice

Overall Effectiveness of Piece (professional appearance, expression and format)

Not formatted to

Specifications, Lacking professional appearance

Formatting is generally

correct, acceptable

professional appearance.

Assigned format followed

explicitly: Exceptional

professional appearance

Critical Thinking Assessment 80%

Intellectual Standards

Elements of Reasoning

Clarity

Relevance

Depth

Breadth

Integration

Consistency

Information

(situation analysis; important data, facts, observations for analysis and decision making)

1 2 3

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Concepts

(theories, principles, models to be applied in the analysis or exercise)

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

Points of View

(important stakeholders to consider in the analysis and resulting decision(s))

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

Assumptions

(presuppositions, values or beliefs that must be explicitly stated)

1 2 3

1 2 3

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1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

Implications

(potential +/- outcomes or

consequences of decisions or

strategies)

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

Interpretation

(articulation of conclusions,

interpretation, recommendation

based on information, concepts,

POV, assumptions and

Implications)

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

Levels

Criteria

1

Did Not Meet Expectations

2

Met Expectations

3

Exceeded Expectations

Clarity

Writing is not clear. It is

difficult to understand points

being made. The writing lacks

transitions, and few examples and/or illustrations are provided to support explanation or

recommendations.

Writing is generally well organized and understood. Transitions are used to facilitate clarity. Some examples and/illustrations are used to support explanation or recommendations.

Writing is succinct, precise,

effectively organized and

without ambiguity.

Transitions, explanation

and elaboration are

extensive to elucidate

points. Detailed illustrations and/or examples are used to

support explanation or

recommendations.

Relevance

Critical issues/questions are

omitted or ignored in the

writing.

Most of the critical issues/questions are

addressed in the writing.

All critical issues/questions

are addressed completely in

the writing

Depth of

Discussion

Ignores bias; Omits arguments

Misrepresents issues; Excludes data; Includes but does not detect inconsistencies of

information; Ideas contain

unnecessary gaps, repetition or extraneous details; Sees no arguments and overlooks

differences

Detects bias; Recognizes arguments;

Categorizes content; Paraphrases data;

Sufficient detail to support conclusions and/or recommendations

Analysis includes insightful

questions;

Refutes bias; Discusses

issues thoroughly

Critiques content; Values

information

Examines inconsistencies;

Offers extensive detail to

support conclusions and

recommendations; Suggests

solutions or implementation

Breadth of Discussion

Omits arguments or

perspectives; Misses major

content areas/concepts;

Presents few options

Covers the breadth of the topic without being superfluous

Considers multiple

perspectives;

Thoroughly delves into the issues/questions;

Thoroughly discusses facts relevant to the issues

Integration of all

Elements of Reasoning

Fails to draw conclusions or

conclusions rely on author’s

authority rather than strength of presentation; Draws faulty conclusions; Shows intellectual dishonesty

Formulates clear conclusions with adequate support

Assimilates and critically

reviews information, uses

reasonable judgment, and

provides balanced, well

justified conclusions

Internal Consistency

There is little integration across

the sections of the paper.

Several inconsistencies or

contradictions exist. Few of the issues, recommendation and explanations make sense and are well integrated.

Sections of the paper are generally well linked/connected. Only minor contradictions exist. Most of the issues, recommendations and explanations make sense and are well integrated.

All sections of the paper are

linked. There are no

contradictions in the

writing. All issues,

recommendations and

explanations make sense

and are well integrated