1. (Claim about topic) because (list reasons).
2. (Claim about topic) because (list unifying ideas).
3. (Concession/counterargument language), (claim about topic you will prove).
4. (Concession/counterargument language) (concession/counter claim); however, (claim about
topic you will prove) because (unifying idea/reason).
(Transitional Language) (somewhat specific reference to your example) + (an argument/abstraction that
in some way relates to your argument/thesis).
Addition:
also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly
Consequence:
accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then,
subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon (shortly after), wherefore (for what reason)
Generalizing:
as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually
Exemplifying:
chiefly (above all, mostly), especially, for instance, in particular, markedly (significantly), namely
(specifically), particularly, including, specifically, such as
Illustration:
for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with, as an example, in this case
Emphasis:
above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly
Similarity:
comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, together with
Exception:
aside from, barring, besides, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save
Restatement:
in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently
Contrast and Comparison:
contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, on the
contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast
Sequence:
at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the
next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier,
simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind
Summarizing:
after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in
conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, to
sum up, to summarize, finally
Diversion:
by the way, incidentally
Row A 0 points 1 point
Thesis For any of the following: Responds to the prompt with a thesis that
(0-1 There is no defensible thesis. presents a defensible position.
points) The intended thesis only restates the prompt.
The intended thesis provides a summary of the issue
with no apparent or coherent claim.
There is a thesis, but it does not respond to the prompt.
Decision Rules and Scoring Notes
Responses that do not earn this point: Responses that earn this point:
Only restate the prompt. Respond to the prompt rather
Do not take a position, or the position is vague or must than restate or rephrase the
be inferred. prompt, and the thesis clearly
State an obvious fact rather than making a claim that takes a position rather than just
requires a defense. stating that there are pros/cons.
Additional Notes:
The thesis may be more than one sentence, provided the sentences are in close proximity.
The thesis may be anywhere within the response.
The thesis may establish a line of reasoning that structures the essay, but it needn’t do so to earn the
thesis point.
A thesis that meets the criteria can be awarded the point whether or not the rest of the response
successfully supports that line of reasoning.
2 points 3 points 4 points
EVIDENCE: EVIDENCE: EVIDENCE:
Provides some specific relevant Provides specific evidence Provides specific evidence to support all
evidence. to support all claims in a claims in a line of reasoning.
AND COMMENTARY: line of reasoning. AND COMMENTARY:
Explains how some of the AND COMMENTARY: Consistently explains how the evidence
evidence relates to the student’s Explains how some of the supports a line of reasoning.
argument, but no line of reasoning evidence supports a line of
is established, or the line of reasoning.
reasoning is faulty.
Decision Rules and Scoring Notes
Typical responses that earn 2 Typical responses that Typical responses that earn 4 points:
points: earn 3 points: Uniformly offer evidence to support
Consist of a mix of specific Uniformly offer evidence claims.
evidence and broad generalities. to support claims.
Focus on the importance of specific
May contain some simplistic, Focus on the importance of details to build an argument.
inaccurate, or repetitive specific details to build an
explanations that don’t strengthen argument. Organize and support an argument as a
the argument. line of reasoning composed of multiple
Organize an argument as a supporting claims, each with adequate
May make one point well, but line of reasoning composed evidence that is clearly explained.
either do not make multiple of multiple supporting
supporting claims or do not claims.
adequately support more than one
claim. Commentary may fail to
integrate some evidence or
fail to support a key claim.
