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Argument Essay 
This rubric is for evaluating argument essays and the ability to formulate argumentative writings. You read 3 articles in class and used a template to write your argument. The assignment is to write an 800- to 1200-word essay that incorporates at least 5 quotes and no more than 7 quotes from the sources and 2 of your own sources.
Rubric Code: RXA7B27
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 9-12

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  Exemplary

4 pts

Accomplished

3 pts

Developing

2 pts

Beginning

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.
Beginning

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
Refutation
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.
Beginning

Most argumentative
points are poorly
developed. Counter
claims are missing or
vague. Commentary is
not present. Conclusion
does not re-visit 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 amongideas.
Developing

Organization is clear.
Transitions are present,
but may not lend to
coherence between and
among ideas.
Beginning

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.
Beginning

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.
Beginning

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.




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