iRubric: Argumentative Essay Rubric

The introduction engages the audience; the claim is precise and clearly states a position on an issue.

Logical reasons and relevant, sufficient evidence convincingly support the writer’s claim.

Opposing claims and counterclaims are developed fairly and thoroughly, and supported with relevant evidence.

The conclusion logically follows up on the main ideas of the argument and restates the claim.

The introduction could do more to grab the audience’s attention; the claim states a position on an issue but could be more precise.

Most reasons and evidence are relevant and support the writer’s claim.

Opposing claims and counterclaims are developed fairly, but their supporting evidence could be addressed more thoroughly.

The concluding section mostly follows up on the main ideas of the argument and restates the claim.

The introduction is not engaging; the claim identifies an issue, but the writer’s position is not clearly stated.

The reasons and evidence are not always logically connected to the writer’s claim.

Opposing claims are identified, but counterclaims are not developed fairly or addressed thoroughly.

The concluding section includes an incomplete summary of the main ideas and claim, and leaves loose ends for the audience.

The introduction is missing or does not include a claim.

Supporting reasons and evidence are missing or are not connected to the claim.

Opposing and counterclaims are neither identified nor developed.

The concluding section is missing.

• The writing has an appropriately formal style and an objective tone.

• Persuasive techniques are used appropriately and effectively throughout the argument.

• Sentences have a variety of beginnings, lengths, and structures. They flow rhythmically.

• Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation are correct.

• Grammar and usage are correct.

• The style becomes too informal in a few places, and the tone is uneven.

• Some effective persuasive techniques are used.

• Sentences are correctly structured and complete, but could have more variety and flow.

• Some capitalization and punctuation mistakes occur.

• Some grammatical and usage errors are repeated in the argument.

• The style and tone are inconsistent, and the style becomes too informal in many places.

• Few effective persuasive techniques are used, or some techniques are used inappropriately.

• Sentence structures have very little variety, and some fragments or run-on sentences are present.

• Several spelling and capitalization mistakes occur, and punctuation is inconsistent.

• Grammar and usage are incorrect in many places, but the writer’s meaning is

• The style and tone are inappropriate for the argument.

• Persuasive techniques are missing or used inappropriately.

• Repetitive sentence structure, fragments, and run-on sentences make the writing hard to follow.

• Spelling and capitalization are often incorrect, and punctuation is missing.

• Many grammatical and usage errors change the meaning of ideas and make the writing hard to understand.