Scoring	Guide for	Visual	Communication	Content
Criteria Content/Organization	1	2	3	4	Points
Purpose	Purpose is unclear; no original material and/or research is present.	Purpose is vague; little original material and/or research is present.	Purpose is evident, but unclear; some original material and/or research is present.	Purpose is clear and original content and/or research is present.
Organization	There does not appear to be any sequence or order to the information; audience is very confused; no evidence of an introduction, body, and conclusion.	Sequence disjointed at times; information does not always occur in a logical order; confusing at times; lacks a clear introduction, and/or body, and conclusion.	Logical sequence is evident but transitions seem choppy or abrupt at times; shows evidence of an introduction, body, and conclusion.	Information flows logically and naturally and is easy to follow; transitions are evident; includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Creativity and Originality	Information is unclear and disjointed; voice is not evident; information does not elicit audience’s attention.	Visuals and writing seem irrelevant and unclear at times; interest is minimal; voice is weak or lacking.	Information needs some editing; some interest is created through visuals and writing; a voice is somewhat present.	Information is clear and concise; voice is evident; visuals and writing get audience’s attention.
Content	Content lacks purpose and point of view; facts are disjointed and seem irrelevant and out of context.	Content is vague in presenting a point of view or strong sense of purpose; includes some persuasive information with few facts; some information irrelevant.	Content is presented with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information; includes persuasive information from primary sources.	Content is clear and concise with a logical progression of ideas and supporting information; includes motivating questions, advanced organizers.

Criteria	1	2	3	4	Points
Content Knowledge	Very uncomfortable with information and shows no understanding of information/purpose.	Seems uncomfortable with information and covers only rudimentary content.	Seems at ease with content, but fails to elaborate; information is clear and correct.	Demonstrates full knowledge with explanations and elaboration.
Mechanics Spelling/Grammar	Numerous grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors; needs extensive editing.	Errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling distract from the presentation; needs editing.	Minor grammatical errors; spelling is mostly correct; some editing is required.	Grammar and usage are correct; punctuation is accurate; spelling is correct; little or no editing is needed.

Scoring	Guide for	Visual	Communication	Technical
Technical Quality	1	2	3	4	Points
Readability: Text	Text is very difficult to read; the type, size, contrast, and the background need improvement.	Text is sometimes difficult to read; font size is too small and there is not enough contrast.	Text is readable; font type and size and contrast could be better.	Text is easily read; excellent font type and size; good contrast with background.
Layout/Balance	Layout is poor; no balance exists; text and graphics are too large and/or small and very distracting and inappropriate.	Layout is monotonous; some graphics are too large and text is too small; more balance is needed.	Good balance between graphics and text; layout is predictable but varies; some adjustments needed.	Layout enhances information; excellent balance of text and graphics; provides appropriate focus.
Graphics	Graphics do not relate to content and purpose; no evidence of originality; uses only copyrighted graphics.	Some graphics are not related to content; some are too large; mostly copyrighted graphics/clip art are used; little evidence of originality.	Graphics relate to page content and show some evidence of editing; uses some original graphics and some variety of types.	Graphics are original and enhance the content; uses a variety of editing techniques and image types.
Sound	Use of sound effects is inappropriate; distracting and annoying; volume needs adjustments.	Some sound effects are annoying, distracting, and/or too noisy; volume is too loud or too soft.	Good choice of sound effects; timing needs adjustment to enhance presentation.	Sound effects, music, narration produce focus, transition and attention; timing is optimal.
Technical Quality	1	2	3	4	Points
Technical Creativity	Technical quality is not evident; inappropriate or no use of technical aspects.	Below average technical quality; overuse or poor use of some technical aspects; good use of a few aspects.	Average technical quality; shows strengths in some aspects; not always consistent.	Exceptional technical quality and balance when using backgrounds, timing, sound, and special effects.
Copyright Fair Use and Citations	Few sources are properly cited; there is an abuse of the copyright and fair use guidelines: the MLA citation is incorrect.	Does not completely adhere to the fair use guidelines; some information is not properly cited; errors exist with the MLA citation format.	Uses copyright and fair use guidelines; requests permissions and properly cites most sources using the correct MLA citation format.	Properly cites sources of all information and graphics by using the correct MLA citation format; adheres to copyright and fair use guidelines.
Delivery/Communication	Voice is unclear; pronunciation and other verbal and nonverbal skills need much improvement; only reads the text of the visual.	Incorrectly pronounces terms; audience has difficulty hearing; verbal/nonverbal skills need improvement; mostly reads the text of the visual.	Voice is clear; pronounces most words correctly; uses most verbal and nonverbal skills correctly; uses a method other than reading the visual text.	Uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation, verbal and nonverbal skills; uses a different form of communication other than reading the visual.

Palmer Public Schools

Ann M. Kelley

1/12/2004

Scoring Sheet