iRubric: 7th Grade Argumentative Essay Rubric

The introductory
paragraph has a
strong hook or
attention grabber that is appropriate
for the audience.
The position
statement (thesis)
provides a clear,
strong statement of
the author's position
on the topic. A
preview (blueprint)
of the main
arguments is
included.

The introductory
paragraph has a
hook or attention
grabber, but it is
weak, rambling or
inappropriate for the
audience. The
position statement
(thesis) provides a
clear, strong
statement of the
author's position on
the topic. A preview
(blueprint) of the
main arguments is
included.

The author has an
interesting
introductory
paragraph but the
connection to the
topic is not always
clear. The position
statement (thesis) of
the author's position
on the topic is weak.
A preview (blueprint)
of the main
arguments may be
missing.

The introductory
paragraph is not
grabbing AND is
not relevant to the
topic. The position
statement (thesis) is
missing or not clear.
A preview (blueprint)
of the main
arguments is not
included.

The writer clearly introduces why a solution to the problem is needed, speaking generally about it, without revealing the details of the solution.

The writer introduces why a solution is needed, however, the reason why the problem needs a solution can be more clear.

The writer introduces why a solution is needed, however, he or she does not generalize why the solution needs to be solved and gives details instead.

The writer does not introduce a solution and does not explain why the problem needs a solution.

The writer was able to see an objection to his or her solution and refute the objection with three details to support his or her original solution.

The writer was able to see and objection to his or her solution and refute the objection with 1 or 2 details to support his or her original solution.

The writer was able to see and objection to his or her solution but did not refute the objection by supporting his or her original solution.

The writer did not form an objection and did not refute the objection.

Problem, solution, and support are provided in a logical order that makes it easy and interesting to follow the author's train of
thought.

Problem, solution, and support are provided in a fairly logical order that makes it reasonably easy to follow the author's train of thought.

A few of the supporting
details for problem and solution
are not in an
expected or logical
order, distracting the
reader and making
the essay seem a
little confusing.

Many of the supporting
details and problem solution arguments
are not in an
expected or logical
order, distracting the
reader and making
the essay seem very
confusing.

The author makes
no errors in grammar
or spelling that
distract the reader
from the content.

The author makes
1-2 errors in
grammar or spelling
that distract the
reader from the
content.

The author makes
3-4 errors in
grammar or spelling
that distract the
reader from the
content.

The author makes
more than 4 errors in
grammar or spelling
that distract the
reader from the
content.