San José State University
Department of Computer Engineering
CMPE-294 assignment: Cover letter grading rubric

CRITERIA	RATINGS				POINTS
Assignment Guidelines	Exemplary 1.0 point The paper addresses all assignment guidelines.	Proficient 0.75 point The paper addresses most assignment guidelines.	Satisfactory 0.5 point The paper addresses some assignment guidelines.	Below Expectation 0.2 point The paper fails to address key assignment guidelines.	1.0
Format	Exemplary 1.0 point Complies with all requirements for a cover letter. Sender’s address; addresses; salutation; complimentary close; signature; name.	Proficient 0.75 point Complies with 85% of the requirement for a cover letter. A number of flaws are evident. A few minor flaws.	Satisfactory 0.5 point Complies with 75% of the requirement for a cover letter. A number of flaws are evident.	Below Expectation 0.2 point Format is not appropriate for a cover letter. Does not satisfy the basic requirement of a cover letter.	1.0
Content and Organization	Exemplary 2.0 points Opening paragraph states intent, position applying for, and education; 2nd paragraph related skills; 3rd paragraph work experience; final paragraph-reference to resume and follow up.	Proficient 1.75 points There are flaws in how the paragraphs are organized.	Satisfactory 1.5 points Two or more of the paragraphs are not organized according to the topic.	Below Expectation 1.0 point Three or more of the paragraphs are not organized according to the topic.	2.0
Writing style, Word choice, Grammar, Sentence structure, Punctuation, Spelling	Exemplary 1.0 point The letter is written in an appropriately formal style. Sentences are well constructed. Words are specific and accurate, and not overly verbose. There are no grammatical, mechanical, or punctuation errors.	Proficient 0.75 point The letter is mostly written in an appropriately formal style. Words are appropriate and accurate; there may be a few grammatical errors, but they are generally minor; sentences are generally well-constructed.	Satisfactory 0.5 point The letter may be written too informally for the task; some of the words are simple or inappropriate; there are some grammar errors; some sentences show structural problems.	Below Expectation 0.2 point The style is too informal for the task; there is an over reliance on simple and inappropriate vocabulary; grammar errors interfere with understanding of meaning; many sentence show structural problems.	1.0
CLO 3 Understand a diverse set of communication styles and have had practical experience in exercising them.	Exceeds expectations 5 points	Satisfactory 3 points	Below expectations 0 points		—
PLO 5 Be able to advance successfully in the engineering profession, and sustain a process of life-long learning in engineering or other professional areas.	Exceeds expectations 5 points	Satisfactory 3 points	Below expectations 0 points		—
PLO 6 Be able to communicate effectively, in both oral and written forms.	Exceeds expectations 5 points	Satisfactory 3 points	Below expectations 0 points		—
Total points: 5.0