Table 3 Long report rubric

Title page/table of contents

Includes title, name of recipient, writers, date and a thorough and detailed table of contents. Page numbering is accurate. Formatting and use of white space are professional

Missing one element: title, name of recipient, writers, date, and table of contents. Page numbers included. Formatting and use of white space are professional

Missing two or three elements. Table of contents is incomplete and/or page numbers are missing or inaccurate

Table of contents or title page is missing four or more elements. Unprofessional formatting

Executive summary

Presents the most important elements of the report. Formal tone provides details on the problem, research, findings and conclusions. If necessary, a decision could be made based on the information provided here

Presents some elements of the report. Mostly formal tone provides details on the problem, some of the research, findings and conclusions

Too lengthy or too brief to accurately summarize. Uses some unprofessional language. Missing one or more elements

Fails to accurately or thoroughly summarize report details. Uses informal tone. Could not be used to make a decision on this proposal

May include: introduction, analysis: tables/charts, discussion of findings, conclusion and recommendations

Full and rich development of content including problem, background evidence of research and findings. Tables and charts clearly and accurately represent data gathered to support findings. Recommendation is well supported and represents critical thinking skills

Development of content is adequate. Information is clearly presented but may be better reinforced with further research. Recommendation is reasonable

Development of content is incomplete or unclear. Lacking background, research and discussion of findings. Recommendation is based on too little information

Simplistic statement of content. Research is not evident or

not well represented. Recommendation is unsupported

or represents poor decision making

Organization and formatting—including APA formatting

Logical outline format or section headings are used to make the document readable. Well-crafted tables, charts or graphs are used where appropriate. Appearance is high quality and professional. APA formatting error free

Generic headings are used. The document is readable but some information in long paragraphs could be placed on tables or charts. 1–2 minor errors in APA formatting

Formatting was not in a logical sequence. No headings or sections are shown. Lacks a professional appearance. 3–4 errors in APA formatting

Attention to formatting is not apparent

Five or more errors in APA formatting

Grammar and mechanics

Error-free grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. Professional writing style

2–3 errors in grammar, sentence structure, spelling, or punctuation. Professional writing style with occasional inconsistencies

4–5 grammar, sentence structure, spelling, or punctuation errors. Writing style (including vocabulary) needs improvement

Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure errors interfere with comprehension. No evidence of professional writing style