iRubric: Rubric for Persuasive Essay

The essay does not begin with a clear introduction. The thesis statement may not be in the introduction at all or it may not be clear. None of the arguments are previewed.

The essay begins with an introduction. It is made up of one or two sentences. It is somewhat clear. Some arguments are not clearly previewed.

The essay begins with a clear introduction. The thesis statement is part of the introduction but it could be clearer/stronger. All arguments are previewed.

The essay begins with a strong clear introduction. It is made up of three to five clearly written sentences. All arguments are previewed.

The second body paragraph is not clear enough. It attempts to support the thesis but does not do so clearly. Too much necessary information has been left out. Not enough specific details and examples have been used. Transitional words have probably not been used. Does not contain opposition and appropriate flip.

There is a paragraph which follows the introduction. It attempts to support the thesis but may not do so clearly. Not enough specific details and examples have been used. Transitional words have not been effectively used. It does not come to a strong finish. May or may not contain opposition and appropriate flip.

The second body paragraph is good. The sentences all work together to support the thesis statement. Transitional words could been used more often/clearly. Specific details and examples have been used. It may end but may not come to a strong close. Contains opposition and appropriate flip.

The second body paragraph is strong. All of the sentences clearly connect to each other. Smooth and precise transition words have been used. This paragraph contains a clear reason which supports the thesis and is backed up with at least two reasons. Enough specific details and examples have been used. Contains opposition and appropriate flip.

There are no persuasive techniques used, or the technique(s) that is used is used incorrectly or ineffectively.

Only one persuasive technique is used in the essay to argue the writer's claim. The techniques are chosen thoughtfully.

Two persuasive techniques are used throughout the essay to effectively argue the writer's claim. The techniques are chosen thoughtfully.

Three or more persuasive techniques are used throughout the essay to effectively argue the writer's claim. The techniques are chosen thoughtfully, with the audience in mind.

Paper contains a lot of errors that negatively affect or weaken the meaning of the writing. Either in
Grammar, Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation, Contractions, or Plagiarism.

Paper contains few errors that sometimes effect the paper's content and hurt the quality of the writing. Either in Grammar, Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation, Contractions, or Plagiarism.

Paper contains minimal errors that do not effect the paper's content. Either in Grammar, Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation, Contractions, or Plagiarism.

Paper contains few or no errors. Sentence structure and the writer's grasp on grammar enhance the quality of the writing. Grammar, Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation, Contractions, or Plagiarism.