Name ______Period ______Score _____/100

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY RUBRIC

Criteria / Expectation / Meets Expectation / Below Expectation / Expectation Not Met / Score
Introduction
and
Claim / The introduction includes a hook, background information and transitions to the claim. The claim clearly states the topic to be discussed. / The hook, background information and claimare there and clearly stated / Some of the hook, background information and claim are there but not clearly stated / Most of the hook, background information and claimare weak or missing. / /10
Body
and
Organization / Examples and support are provided in logical order that makes it easy and interesting to follow the writer’s train of thought. A clear argument is presented and provides detailed support. Counterclaim is included. / Examples and support are provided in a fairly logical order that make it reasonably easy to follow the writer’s train of thought. Counterclaim is included. / A few of the support details or examples are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the essay seem a little confusing. Counterclaim is mentioned. / Many of the support details or examples are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the essay seem very confusing. Counterclaim is not included or mentioned. / /10
Conclusion / The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer’s position. The claim is mentioned in summarizing the essay. / The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader understanding the writer’s position. The writer’s claim is mentioned in summarizing the essay. / The conclusion restates the writer’s position. The writer’s claim is restated. / The claim is either not restated or is found in the same wording as the introduction. The essay is not summed up in the conclusion. / /10
Evidence / The essay includes sufficient evidence such as facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions. Each source is reliable and relevant. / The essay includes sufficient evidence such as facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions. Each source is reliable and relevant. / The essay has some evidence such as facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions. Most sources are reliable and relevant. / The essay has little or no evidence. The sources are neither reliable nor relevant. / /15
Conventions / The writer makes no errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. / The writer makes few errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Kept writing in third person. / The writer makes several errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Not in third person. / The writer makes frequent errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Not in third person. / /15
MLA Format
Documentation / The essay correctly uses the MLA format. The essay’s sources are properly documented inside the essay / The essay correctly uses the MLA format. The essay’s sources are properly documented inside the essay. Proper page length. / The essay uses most of the MLA format. The essay’s sources are mostly documented correctly inside the essay. Did not meet length requirement. / The essay does not use the correct MLA format. The essay’s sources are not properly documented inside the essay. Did not meet length requirement. / /20
Works Cited Page / The Works Cited page follows the MLA format. / The Works Cited page follows the MLA format. Has all 5 sources. / The Works Cited page mostly follows the MLA format. Does not include all 5 sources. / The Works Cited page rarely follows the MLA format. Does not include all 5 sources. / /20

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