iRubric: AP Argument Rubric (BEST)

Reasons and evidence are astute, sophisticated, persuasive, and poignantly relevant, drawing on their reading, observations, past studies or experiences. Warrants and backings are eloquently considered. Conditions of rebuttal show keen insight and eloquently contribute to the persuasiveness of the argument. Argument is fully developed and is overwhelmingly effective at supporting the central claim.

At least 3 sources used throughout the paper.

Reasons and evidence are persuasive, and relevant, drawing on their reading, observations, past studies or experiences. Warrants and backings are effectively considered. Conditions of rebuttal show keen insight and contribute to the persuasiveness of the argument. Argument is fully developed and very effective at supporting the central claim.

At least 3 sources used throughout the paper

Reasons and evidence are adequately persuasive and relevant, drawing on their reading, observations, past studies or experiences. There is some evidence of warrants and backings. Conditions of rebuttal are limited. Argument does a fairly good job supporting the central claim.

2 sources used throughout the paper

Argument is flawed or illogical. Reasons are mostly irrelevant and little evidence is used to support them. Warrants are wrong or missing when needed. Opposing perspectives are overly simplistic or wrong, if presented.

1 or fewer sources used throughout the paper

Clearly and purposefully ordered arguments (per paragraph)

Follows outline structure exactly

Effective, topic sentences that fully illustrate the argument presented in the paragraph

Body paragraphs incorporate a good proof/ analysis ratio (more analysis than cited information)

Organization enhances meaning, while the order isn't blatantly purposeful.

Mostly follows outline structure

Topic sentences fairly illustrate the argument presented in the paragraph

Body paragraphs somewhat incorporate a good proof/ analysis ratio (more analysis than cited information)

Mostly focused. Development of ideas is somewhat effective.

Somewhat follows outline structure

Topic sentences do not clearly illustrate the argument presented in the paragraph

Body paragraphs scarcely incorporate a good proof/ analysis ratio (more analysis than cited information)

Inconsistent focus. Development of ideas is somewhat ineffective.

Does not follow outline structure

Topic sentences are missing

Body paragraphs do not incorporate a good proof/ analysis ratio (more analysis than cited information)

Sophisticated sense of audience. Artfully incorporates a wide variety of rhetorical strategies. Consistently conveys a highly academic tone, always addressing both hostile and receptive audiences with respect. Skillfully asserts authority on the topic.

Effective sense of audience. Incorporates a wide variety of rhetorical strategies. Consistently conveys a highly academic tone, always addressing both hostile and receptive audiences with respect. Asserts authority on the topic.

Somewhat understands the audience. Incorporates some rhetorical strategies. Somewhat consistently conveys an academic and respectful tone. Does little to come across as an authority on the topic.

Makes an attempt to understand the audience. One or two rhetorical strategies are used. Tone is elementary and/or inconsistent. Does not come across as an authority on the topic.

All sources are cited in- text in the correct MLA format and accounted for on the work cited page

Most sources are cited in- text in the correct MLA format and accounted for on the work cited page

Only one in-text citation

AND/OR

Work cited page not complete or formatted properly.

NO citations and/or work cited page