PREPARATION OF OUTLINE FOR MEMORANDUM

1. HEADING:

The appropriate headings appear (Date, To, From, and Subject) with 2-3 blank lines after.
• To: From: Job titles follow names and department names follow titles. (names, job titles, departments)

• Date: correct and current
• Subject: brief and precise

2. PARAGRAPH 1:

• Purpose of memo clear. The paragraph efficiently conveys clearly the intent and information of the memo. (You are to assume the role of an internal auditor who has been asked to identify a minimum of three high quality propositions that management can implement to establish a tone at the top that conveys a commitment to integrity and ethical values. Mention the high quality propositions that are to be discussed).
• Clear preview of main points.

PARAGRAPHS 2, 3, & 4:
• Each proposition is to be clearly stated and supported with cited peer-reviewed articles and examples. Used at least 2 types of supporting materials for each proposition. Properly cite at least three credible sources that were relevant and support the argument. You should consider any relevant guidance (e.g. COSO, SOX, AUDIT STANDARDS) and peer-reviewed journal articles and provide a minimum of three (3) citations.
● Arguments must be sound and developed. Describe how you will present the
arguments in the outline.

PARAGRAPH 5:

• Restated thesis.

• Reviewed main points.

● Include a memorable, strong closer.

Format and Adherence to the Assignment

• The appropriate title appears at the top (Memorandum).
• The appropriate headings appear (Date, To, From, and Subject) with 2-3 blank lines after.
• To: From: Job titles follow names and department names follow titles. (names, job titles, departments)
• Date: correct and current
• Subject: brief and precise
• Memo is left justified with no paragraph indents and one blank line in between paragraphs.
• Memo text is single-spaced.
• No formal salutation or closing lines appear.
• Appropriate end notations appear if necessary.
• Memo follows the assignment criteria in terms of form and content (i.e. outlines your reasons, background and implications/benefits)

Style & Tone

• Purpose of memo clear
• Tone appropriate for primary audience.
• An appropriate amount of detail provided; memo is complete while being brief and concise.
• Information is well organized; writing is cohesive and flows well.
• Logical, cogent & coherent
• Visual cues (bullets, numbers, indenting, headings) used to aid readability and understanding
• Follows APA style guidelines.
• Memo efficiently conveys clearly the intent and information of the memo.
• Text is broken into logical paragraphs with good paragraph structure.
• Vocabulary accurate and effectively conveys meaning.
• Culturally sensitive, free from regional terminology and unfamiliar jargon.

Grammar, Mechanics, and Punctuation

• Rules of American English grammar and usage are appropriately applied.
• Sentence structure and word order follow American English grammar and usage conventions.
• Spelling is correct and the essay has been carefully proofread.
• Subjects and verbs agree.
• Verb tense is consistent and appropriate.
• Passive voice is used only when needed and effective.
• Commas, semi-colons, periods, and dashes are used correctly.
• Run-on sentences, comma splices, and sentences fragments are eliminated.
• Conventions of capitalization are followed correctly.
• Punctuation rules and conventions are adhered to (apostrophes, parentheses, etc.).
• Expletives (it, there) and unclear demonstratives (this, that, these, those without a noun) are avoided.