Rubrics for Marking writing

Reader Formality (salutation & closing); Appropriate terms; what the reader
identified knows; what does he want to know
Clarity Vagueness and ambiguity
Style Active vs. passive; fat; false starters
Format/layout Letter: letterhead; date; receiver’s address; salutation; subject;
paragraphing in body; closing; signature; name and position
Email: To/From/Date/ subject/Salutation/body in paragraphs/name of
sender
subject Specific
Summary/Focus (Informative letter): Main message first/ Very briefly: What did you set
out to do, and what did you achieve?.
(Request letter): main action that needs to be taken and main reason for it.
Background (Informative letter): Who went where, why, and when?
(Request letter): circumstances leading up to or events affecting the
situation
Facts (Informative letter) In more detail:
• What did you do? What problems affected your work?
• What did you do about them?
(Request letter): detailed description of what is being requested
Outcome (Informative letter): Main results; Is the job complete? What still needs to
be done?
(Request letter) request for action
Spelling, Also use of complete sentences
punctuation
and grammar
Cohesion & Parallel structures
coherence Sequence: e.g. chronological
Linking devices; e.g. therefore; however
Clear flow/development of ideas