Generate an Argument
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reason and relevant and sufficient evidence.
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Advancing
10 pts
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Developing
7.5 pts
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Poor
5 pts
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Introduction is engaging and outlines the ideas of the writing.
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Introduction does not outline the claim, counterclaim, reasons and evidence.
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Introduction is not a complete thought or is missing.
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A precise developed claim is present. Explains the relevancy and importance of the topic.
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A general claim is present. Acknowledges the relevance but does not explain the importance of the topic.
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Claim is not present or it does not address relevance / significance of the topic. A convincing argument is not made.
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Explains the strengths and limitations of a distinguished relevant counterclaim.
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There is not a clear distinction between the claim and counterclaim. Some minor errors are present in the counterclaim.
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Counterclaim is not present or irrelevant.
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Evidence
10 pts
Develops ideas with examples (observations, data, analysis, research, etc.)
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Multiple pieces of evidence (observations and data, analysis, or research, etc.) are relevant, accurate and thoroughly explained.
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Only one piece of evidence (observation or data) is used. Evidence has minor mistakes and is not explained in detail.
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Evidence is wrong, repetitive or irrelevant.
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Reasoning / Justification
10 pts
Explains how the evidence supports the claim
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Claim is well-supported. Explains why the evidence was included and how the evidence supports the explanation.
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Some reasons are more supported than others. Explains why the evidence was included or how the evidence supports the explanation but not both.
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Specific reasoning for the claim is not stated. Makes simple assertion that the evidence “proves it” or it simply refers to the evidence without explaining it.
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Science Content / Background
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Accurate scientific information is included throughout the writing. Links evidence to an important concept or principle.
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The topic is explained, but minor mistakes are made.
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The topic is not developed and / or contains major mistakes.
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Uses a variety of science vocabulary correctly.
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Science vocabulary is used with minor mistakes in their definitions.
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Science vocabulary is not used correctly.
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Formal style reflects an objective tone. Creates a logical structure with complete sentences and paragraphs. Focus is always on the claim. Grammar is used correctly. Transitions clarify relationships.
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Formal style is inconsistent. Complete sentences are used but informal language is present. Main ideas are clear, but stray from the claim. Some grammatical mistakes are made. Transitions are used but do not connect ideas.
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Formal style is not present. Complete sentences are not used. There is no specific focus. There are major grammatical mistakes. There are no transitions between ideas. There is no clarity in the writing.
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Concluding statement supports the argument and explains implications. Statements are not just repeated from the introduction.
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Provides a sense of closure. Concluding statement is present but the statement does not reflect the argument presented.
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No concluding statement present that summarizes the argument.
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