iRubric: Argument Essay rubric

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Argument Essay

This rubric is for evaluating argument essays and the ability to formulate argumentative writings. The assignment is to write a multi-paragraph argument, including a counter argument.

Rubric Code: P24C42W

By lmcmaster

Ready to use

Public Rubric

Subject: English

Type: Writing

Grade Levels: 6-8, 9-12

Argument Essay Rubric
	Exemplary 4 pts	Accomplished 3 pts	Developing 2 pts	Basic 1 pts
Introduction Background/History Defining the Problem Claim Statement	Exemplary Well-developed introduction engages the reader and creates interest. Contains detailed background information and a clear explanation of the problem. The claim clearly states a significant and compelling position.	Accomplished Introduction creates interest and contains background information. The claim clearly states a problem and the writer’s position is evident.	Developing Introduction adequately explains the background of the problem, but may lack clarity. The claim states a problem, but writer’s position may not be evident.	Basic Background details are a random collection of information, are unclear, and may be loosely related to the topic. Claim/position is vague or not stated.
Argumentative Points Body Paragraphs Opposing Viewpoint Conclusion	Exemplary Well-developed argumentative points directly support the writer’s claim / position. Supporting examples are concrete and detailed. Commentary is logical and well-thought out. Counter claims acknowledge opposing viewpoints clearly and skillfully. Conclusion revisits the claim in a new way and applies the writer’s position universally.	Accomplished Most argumentative points are related to the thesis, but one may lack sufficient support or deviates from claim. Counter claims acknowledge opposing viewpoint(s) with some logic and clarity. Conclusion summarizes the claim and key points with some “fresh” commentary present.	Developing More than one argumentative point lacks sufficient details and support. Writer attempts to address one or more opposing arguments, but the writer may not refute the opposition clearly or adequately. Conclusion mirrors introduction too closely, with little or no new commentary on the writer’s claim / position.	Basic Most argumentative points are poorly developed. Counterclaims are missing or vague. Commentary is not present. Conclusion does not revisit the claim or summarize key argumentative point(s).
Organization Structure Transitions	Exemplary Logical progression of ideas with a clear structure that enhances the claim. Transitions are smooth and provide coherence between and among ideas.	Accomplished Logical progression of ideas. Transitions are present throughout essay and provide adequate coherence between and among ideas.	Developing Organization is clear. Transitions are present, but may not lend to coherence between and among ideas.	Basic No discernible organization. Transitions are not present.
Style and Conventions Syntax (sentence variety & “flow”) Diction (word choice) Tone Spelling, punctuation, & capitalization	Exemplary Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Diction is consistent and words are well-chosen. The tone is highly consistent with writer’s position / claim and appropriate throughout essay. Punctuation, spelling, & capitalization are accurate with few or no errors.	Accomplished Writing is clear and sentences have some varied structure. Diction is appropriate. Tone is generally consistent with writer’s position / claim and appropriate throughout essay. Punctuation, spelling, & capitalization are generally accurate, with some errors.	Developing Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. Diction is sometimes inconsistent and/or inappropriate at various points in essay. Tone may be inconsistent with writer’s position / claim. Several errors in punctuation, spelling, & capitalization.	Basic Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. Diction is inappropriate and inconsistent throughout essay. Tone of piece is highly inconsistent with writer’s position /claim. Many errors in punctuation, spelling, & capitalization distract reader.
Sources Use of sources MLA Format Relevance/reliability	Exemplary Evidence from sources is smoothly and logically integrated into essay and serves to add credibility & insight into writer’s position / claim. All sources are cited accurately and are highly relevant and reliable.	Accomplished Evidence from source(s) is integrated into the text. Most sources are cited accurately and are generally relevant and reliable.	Developing Some source material is used and may or may not lend credibility to writer’s position/claim. Several sources may not be cited accurately. Relevance and reliability may be questionable.	Basic Few or no source material is used. Source citations are not evident or may be highly inaccurate. Relevance and/or reliability are strongly in question.

Subjects:

English

Types:

Writing

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