iRubric: 8th Grade ELA Argumentative Essay Rubric

Well-developed argumentative points directly support the writer's thesis / position. Supporting examples are concrete and detailed. Commentary is logical and well-thought-out. Refutation acknowledges opposing viewpoints clearly and skillfully. Conclusion revisits the thesis in a new way and applies the writer's position universally.

Most argumentative points are related to the thesis, but one may lack sufficient support or deviates from thesis. Refutation acknowledges opposing viewpoint(s) with some logic and clarity. Conclusion summarizes thesis and key points with some "fresh" commentary present.

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 adquately. Conclusion mirrors introduction too closely, with little or no new commentary on the writer's thesis / position.

Most argumentative points are poorly developed. Refutation is missing or vague. Commentary is not present. Conclusion does not re-visit the thesis or summarize key argumentative point(s).

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 / thesis and appropriate throughout essay. Punctuation, spelling, & capitalization are accurate with few or no errors.

Writing is clear and sentences have some varied structure. Diction is appropriate. Tone is generally consistent with writer's position / thesis and is appropriate throughout essay. Punctuation, spelling, & capitalization are generally accurate, with some errors.

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 / thesis. Several errors in punctuation, spelling, & capitalization.

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 / thesis. Many errors in punctuation, spelling, & capitalization distract reader.