Rubric for the Assessment of the Argumentative Essay

10 8 6 4 | 0
The well-developed The satisfactory introduction Introduction does not Writer does not attempt to
INTRODUCTION engages contains some background adequately explain the create interest. Background
the readers. It contains information, uses a technique background of the problem details are a seemingly
detailed background for creating interest, develops nor does the writer attempt to random collection of
information, develops a a clearly stated position, and create interest. The problem information, unclear, or not
significant and compelling states the problem, using is stated, but lacks detail. The related to the topic. The
position, and a clear sufficient details. introduction is evident, but problem is not stated or it is
explanation or definition of position may not be clearly vague. Introduction is
the problem. Finally, it stated. vague or fails to establish a
creates interest in the topic. position that responds to
the topic.

The well-formed, perceptive, The clear and properly placed The thesis statement is The thesis statement is
and properly placed THESIS thesis statement obviously present; however, it does not vague/unclear, improperly
STATEMENT clearly states states the writer’s position. clearly state the writer’s placed, and/or does not
the writer’s position. position and/or it is improperly clearly state the writer’s
placed. position; thus making the
text difficult or impossible to
follow.
30 20 | 14 10 | 8 6 | 0
MAIN POINTS are well Main points are present and Main points are present, but The main points are not
developed and directly directly related to the thesis, one or more may lack sufficient. There is a
related to the thesis. The but one or more may lack development and/or may not poor/skimpy/ vague
supporting details are enough detail and directly relate to the thesis. development of ideas and a
concrete and so rich that the development. Yet, the essay The essay minimally meets weak or nonexistent link to
readers learn by reading the is worthwhile reading. The the requirements of the the thesis.
essay. The writer is writer knows his/her material assignment and contains
obviously in well enough to clearly explain sufficient details to make the Body is too brief to develop
control/comfortable with it. overall point clear, but it a convincing argument;
his/her material and knows leaves the reader with exhibits no style. Essay
enough about the subject to Patterns of development used unanswered questions. lacks focus and tends to
explain it in great detail. for support and the style are wander.
not necessarily appropriate. Support for argument is
Support uses appropriate Each aspect of argument is logical, but pattern of
patterns of development and present, but the writer may development and style is
style. Each aspect relates to not have shown connection to simplistic. Some aspects of
thesis, providing coherence thesis. argument do not relate to
and continuity. thesis.
10 8 6 4 | 0
Powerful CONCLUSION Conclusion effectively Conclusion summarizes main Conclusion does not
effectively wraps up point summarizes main topics and topics, but is repetitive. adequately summarize the
and goes beyond restating goes beyond restating the Conclusion may end abruptly main points.
the thesis/ introduction. thesis. Conclusion may lack a or simply restate the position
Conclusion summarizes the compelling aspect.
main topics without
repeating. The writer's
commentary is logical, well
thought out, and compelling.
10 9 | 8 7 | 6 5 | 0
Logical, compelling Overall, the paper is logically Progression of ideas in essay Arrangement of essay is
ORGANIZATION developed. Progression of is awkward, yet moves the unclear and illogical. The
progression of ideas in essay; ideas in essay makes sense reader through the text writing lacks a clear sense
clear structure which and moves the reader easily without too much confusion. of direction. Ideas, details or
enhances and showcases the through the text. The writer sometimes lunges events seem strung
central idea or theme and Strong transitions exist ahead too quickly or spends together in a loose or
moves the reader through throughout and add to the too much time on details that random fashion; there is no
the text. Organization flows essay’s coherence. do not matter. identifiable internal
so smoothly the reader Transitions appear structure and readers have
hardly thinks about it. sporadically, but not equally trouble following the
Effective, mature, graceful throughout essay. writer’s line of thought.
transitions exist throughout Few, forced transitions in
the essay. the essay or no transitions
are present.

5 4 3 2 | 0
MECHANICS AND STYLE Writing is smooth and Writing lacks flow to achieve Writing is incoherent.
 coherent throughout most of coherence throughout the Work contains multiple
Writing is smooth, skillful, the essay. essay. incorrect sentence
and coherent throughout the Most sentences are varied in Work contains some sentence structures (more than 3).
essay. length and style, with an errors (2 or 3) and Diction is elementary and/or
Sentences are well built with occasional (1 or 2) repetition grammatical errors. Many inappropriate, and often
strong and varied structure of sentence beginnings or a consecutive sentences begin writing is awkward due to
that invites expressive oral number of consecutive with the same words, are of many examples of
reading. sentences of the same length the same length or the same poor/incorrect word choice.
Diction is at a college level or or type. The sentence sentence construction; the There are more than 4
the appropriate level for the structure is generally correct, sentences hang together, and errors in punctuation,
audience. though some awkward get the job done in a routine spelling, capitalization,
Punctuation, spelling, and sentences do appear. fashion. and/or other mechanics.
capitalization are correct. Diction is mostly at the college Diction is very elementary and Errors are beyond
Virtually error free level, but may have some lacks flair. distracting; they make the
examples of unsophisticated There are three or four errors essay difficult to follow and
or poor/incorrect word in punctuation, spelling, unacceptable for college-
choices. capitalization, and/or other level writing.
There are one or two errors in mechanics.
punctuation, Errors are distracting;
spelling, capitalization and/or however, the reader can still
other mechanics. follow the basic intentions of
Few, if any, errors distract the the writer.
reader from the text.
10 8 6 4 | 0
All source material is used All source material is used. All Sources are accurately Lacks sources and/or
and smoothly integrated into sources are accurately documented, but many are sources are not accurately
the text. All sources are documented, but a few are not in the desired format on documented. Incorrect
accurately documented and not in the desired format on the Works Cited page. Some format is used.
in the desired format on the the Works Cited page. sources are relevant and Sources are not relevant nor
WORKS CITED PAGE. Most sources are relevant and reliable. In Text Citation done reliable.
All sources are relevant and reliable. In Text Citation but not properly. No In Text citation.
reliable. In Text Citation done mostly done properly.
properly.

Total out of _______________/75