iRubric: Argumentative Essay rubric

Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses each paragraph around one point.
Details, examples and evidence in the body paragraphs are clear and well developed. There is at least one counter-argument discussed, that is refuted.

Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses each paragraph on one point. Details, examples and evidence are clear and presented from general to specific, but they are not well developed. A counter-argument is introduced but not refuted.

Some body paragraphs don't contain a clear topic sentence or might not have as strong a topic sentence as is needed. There are details/examples in each paragraph, but they might be either unclear or not presented from general to specific. There may be counter-arguments but they are not refuted or not directly related to the main argument(s).

Many of the paragraphs are missing essential details. No facts/evidence are given to support arguments. No counter-arguments are introduced.

Body paragraphs do not contain a topic sentence.
Details/examples are either wrong or lacking. There is no dominant impression created in the paragraphs. No counter-arguments are introduced.

6 X ___ =

Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice is used throughout the paragraph. Language is used well.

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with fairly good use of language.

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent and word choice, while adequate, could be better. The language used is not very effective.

Writing appears rushed or underdeveloped.

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. The tone and purpose is inconsistent and difficult to determine. The word choice is inadequate.

2 X ___ =

Conclusion re-states the thesis statement using different words; adequately summarizes the arguments; and ends with a good concluding sentence.

Conclusion might re-state the thesis statement, but this is just copied from the intro.; conclusion may summarize the arguments OR end with a good concluding sentence but does not do both.

No re-statement of the thesis statement; arguments are somewhat summarized but not adequately; may or may not be a good concluding sentence.

No re-statement of the thesis statements; an attempt to summarize the arguments but this has not been done adequately; no or poor concluding sentence.

Conclusion is simply one or two inadequate sentences.

3 X ___ =