This resource will help you to:
Remember understanding the rubric is key!
Your rubric is more than just a marking guide - it is a roadmap to success.
It tells you exactly what it is that your markers are looking for and how your work will be evaluated. By understanding the language and criteria in your rubric, you can plan your assignment more effectively, focus your efforts where it counts, and self-assess your work before submission. In short, knowing your rubric puts you in control of your learning and helps you achieve the best results possible.
GenAI can help you increase your understanding of the rubric and make the best use of it in several ways, outlined below.
Rubrics often use cognitive verbs (e.g., discuss, critically analyse), that may feel vague or open to interpretation. These cognitive verbs tell you what you need to do and what level of detail you need to include.
Below is an example of a rubric using different cognitive verbs:
| Criterion | High Distinction | Distinction | Credit |
| Identification of a key priority that is evident in the case study | A key priority is clearly identified and critically evaluated with insightful and nuanced consideration of both the local context and case study, supported by highly relevant and compelling evidence. | A key priority is clearly identified and thoroughly analysed with clear and logical reference to the local context and case study, supported by relevant and appropriate evidence. | A key priority is identified and described, with basic reference to the local context and case study, supported by some appropriate evidence. |
You can use GenAI to help decode terms like:
| Rubric term | What it usually means | Example AI prompt |
| Critically analyse | Go beyond description; weigh evidence, explore implications, offer judgments | "What does 'critically analyse' mean in a university rubric?" |
| Evaluate | Judge the value, effectiveness, or significance | "Explain the difference between 'evaluate' and 'describe' in an academic task." |
| Demonstrates understanding | Apply key concepts in your own words and context | "How can I show understanding of a concept rather than just describing it?" |
| Synthesise | Combine ideas from multiple sources into a cohesive argument | "How do I demonstrate synthesis of literature in an assignment?" |
Pro tip prompt:
“I’m a [your discipline] student writing a [essay/report/reflection]. Can you explain what these rubric words mean in this context: ‘analyse,’ ‘evaluate,’ and ‘synthesise’ and the difference between them?”
You can ask GenAI to help you convert your rubric into a checklist. This helps ensure you’ve covered all the required components.
Example Prompt:
“I’m a university student writing an assignment on [topic]. Here’s my rubric: [paste rubric here]. Can you help me turn this into a checklist so I can make sure I’ve included everything?”
Example output (from a rubric):
| Rubric criteria | Checklist question |
| Demonstrates critical analysis of topic | Have I gone beyond description to critically explore the topic? |
| Supports claims with relevant evidence | Have I used academic sources to back up my key points? |
| Follows academic conventions and referencing | Have I used the correct referencing style (e.g., APA 7)? |
| Shows clear structure and flow | Is my writing logically organised and easy to follow? |
| Addresses all parts of the task | Have I answered every part of the question or scenario? |
Combine with the task sheet
To stay on track:
Example: AI-generated checklist for a reflection task
Assignment task: Write a 500-word personal reflection on your role in a group scenario, demonstrating insight, engagement with course materials, and personal learning.
| ✔️ | Checklist Item |
| ☐ | Have I clearly described the scenario and my specific role in it? |
| ☐ | Have I reflected honestly on my actions, thoughts, and feelings during the scenario? |
| ☐ | Have I explained what I learned about myself or the process through this experience? |
| ☐ | Have I made explicit connections to course concepts or readings? |
| ☐ | Have I included specific examples to support my insights? |
| ☐ | Have I acknowledged any challenges, tensions, or areas for growth? |
| ☐ | Is my reflection structured clearly with an introduction, body, and conclusion? |
| ☐ | Have I kept my writing within the 500-word limit? |
| ☐ | Have I checked grammar, spelling, and punctuation? |
| ☐ | Have I used the correct referencing style if needed? |
Finally, remember:
This resource was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, a generative AI developed by OpenAI, to support structure, examples, and wording. All content has been reviewed and tailored for educational use.
