Memo #1 Writing Review Checklist and Rubric
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Writing assignment #1: Business Memo with Documented Research
Grade: 50 points (5%)
Format: Use the memo format in Figure A-9 in Appendix A
Length: 2 pages (not including bibliography)
References: Provide at least 4 footnoted or parenthetically cited references, and a bibliography. One of these references should come from one of Park’s Online Library databases (Lexis-Nexis, Ebsco, ProQuest, etc.). One reference must come from a government (.gov or .mil) site such as the CIA World Factbook or the Library of Congress. and one from a .com, .edu, or .org site. Do not use Wikipedia as a documented reference. Use MLA, APA, or Chicago style for your documentation format.
Potential audience: Your primary reader will be the company CEO, who is somewhat detail-oriented, is very focused on the company’s goals. The CEO is somewhat of a stickler about needing reliable and current information for decision making. [unique_solution]
Background and Scenario: Assume that your employer, a North American company with approximately 300 employees, will soon begin doing business in a specific foreign country, and that 25 employees, including you, may be transferred there. The CEO has asked you to conduct research on the current conditions in that country, and report your findings in a memo to him.
TASK:
Read four or more articles on that country from recent newspapers or magazines, or from other sources, especially online. Describe in a memo what you have learned about economic, political, business, and other current conditions in the country. Cover at least the current economic, business, and political, and business conditions in separate paragraphs. Do not report on cultural considerations for doing business in that country; you will focus on this in your next writing assignment.
NOTE: You may pick any country you like, and the hypothetical company may be involved in any type of business you like.
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Criteria for excellence:
Focus on purpose and audience.
Creativity in depicting research and thoughts.
Sufficiency of research.
Clarity of controlling idea.
Communicating intent to audience.
Absence of errors in grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
Reviewer: _________________________
Quality Standard: Clearly understandable to the intended reader(s) in a single reading,
and free of errors in grammar, mechanics, spelling and usage. Appropriately follows guidelines
from assignment instructions.
GRADE:
Summary Comments:
See also comments posted via track changes.
**Refer to checklist which follows for specific support of summary comments. A “+” means this
area contributed to the quality of your writing. A “‑” indicates a need for improvement. No
symbol indicates the area was not assessed or had no impact on the paper’s effectiveness.**
Stage of Process: Rs = Researching O = Organizing D = Drafting Rv = Revising P = Proofing
Assess PLANNING and STRATEGY During: Rs&O 25%
___ INTENT/PURPOSE: clear?
___ AUDIENCE: targeted?
___ FOCUSED on a single controlling idea?
____ SCOPE is clearly delineated?
____ PERSPECTIVE is appropriate?
Assess SUBSTANCE During: O&D 25%
O____ CONTROLLING IDEA: sufficiently developed?
O____ **Analysis**: are facts and opinions explained?
O____ **Evidence**: detailed and convincing?
O____ CRITICAL THINKING: considers other perspectives? both pro and con?
O____ MAIN SUPPORTING PARTS: clearly defined and simple?
O____ sequenced to fit purpose?
D____ INTRODUCTION: sets stage?
O____announces controlling idea?
O____ states major parts?
D____ TRANSITIONS: provide continuity and emphasis?
D____ CONCLUSION: returns to controlling idea? reviews major parts?
D____ DOCUMENT DESIGN: promotes quick, clear understanding?
Assess STYLE During: Rv 25%
Rv___ UNIFIED paragraphs: clear central ideas?
Rv___ COHERENT sentences: coordinated and clear?
Rv___ word choice: exact, vivid?
Rv___ tone: expressive, not ambiguous or vague
Rv___ EFFICIENT: paragraphs?
Rv___ active voice primarily?
Rv___ efficient vocabulary? minimal jargon?
Assess CORRECTNESS During: P 25%
P____ CONVENTIONAL: grammar?
P____ punctuation?
P____ spelling?
P____ documentation: fits accepted formats?
P____ appearance: professional?