iRubric: Op-Ed Rubric

Gets right into the subject. Make your point immediately. Uses a lot of persuasive language. Take a side. Don't make the reader guess at your position. If you can't sum up your position in 10 words or less, you haven't yet nailed down what you want to say. Uses short, direct sentences.

Does not get right into the subject until late in the first or 2nd paragraph. Uses some persuasive language. Takes a side but may not be as clear as it could be: The reader may have to guess at your position. If you can't sum up your position in 35 words or less, you struggle with what you want to say. Uses somewhat short and direct sentences.

Does not get right into the subject. Does not make your point immediately. Doesn't take a side or jumps around. Makes the reader have to guess at your position. If you can't sum up your position in 35 words or less, you struggle with what you want to say. Does not use short and direct sentences.

Does not borrow a sentence, phrase or idea from another unless you clearly identify the source. However, good op-ed's are thouroughly researched. A newspaper's credibility is its greatest asset. Cites correctly.

Only cites some of the time when borrowing a sentence, phrase or idea from another. Or cites partially correct.

Does not cite or cites completely incorrect.

Editorial is persuasive and prompts reader to action. Argument includes good anecdotes, facts and statistics.

Persuasive elements need to be strengthened by using better anecdotes, facts or statistical research.

Persuasive elements are immature and lack serious thought.