Like many things I found that modern day teaching of the numerous cadets does not include educational guidance on assessing levels or turbulence. You can have guide lines as it is quite common in the apprentice years not to experience anything of significance.
I used to like some of the self designed guidelines.
On the rear galley work top; a half cup of water. Did it slosh in the cup? = Light. Did it overflow? = Moderate. Did the cup fall over? Mod/Sev. Did the cup bounce of the ceiling? = Severe.
I once heard a story of the Atlantic ride report conversations. There was some real choppy stuff about and the guys were relating to it in similar terms to mine. One US pilot come on and aid it was "kinda rough as he'd just spilt coffee down his shirt. Does anyone have any reports." Back came a Brit, "we're having dinner and the captain just stabbed himself with the fork; so I guess it's a little rougher here."
That's when the ride reports are not overtaken by the baseball scores. There can also be turbulence in the Leagues.