Rubric for Assessment of the Argumentative Essay
4 3
INTRODUCTION Well-developed introduction
Background/History engages the reader and creates
Define the Problem interest. Contains detailed
Thesis Statement background information and a clear
explanation of the problem. Thesis
clearly states a significant and
compelling position.
MAIN POINTS Well developed main points directly
Body Paragraphs related to the thesis. Supporting
Refutation examples are concrete and detailed.
Conclusion Refutation acknowledges opposing
view logically and clearly.
Conclusion effectively wraps up and
goes beyond restating the thesis.
Commentary is logical, and well
thought out.
ORGANIZATION Logical progression of ideas with a
Structure clear structure that enhances the
Transitions thesis. Transitions are mature and
graceful.
MECHANICS AND Writing is smooth, skillful,
coherent. Sentences are strong and
STYLE expressive with varied structure.
Sentence flow, variety Diction is consistent and words well
Diction chosen. Punctuation, spelling,
Spelling, punctuation, capitalization are correct. No
capitalization errors.
SOURCES Sources are smoothly and logically
Use of sources integrated into the text, and clearly
Format explain the ideas. Accurate format.
Relevant/reliable Sources are relevant and reliable.
2 1
Introduction creates interest and Introduction adequately explains Background details are a
contains background the background of the problem, random collection of
information. Thesis clearly but may lack detail. Thesis information, unclear, or not
states the problem. states the problem. related to the topic. Thesis
and/or problem is vague or
unclear.
Three or more main points are Three or more main points are Less than three main points,
related to the thesis, but one present, and/or poor development of
may lack details. Refutation ideas. Refutation missing or
paragraph acknowledges the vague. Conclusion does not
opposing view and summarizes summarize main points.
points. Conclusion effectively Commentary is not present.
summarizes topics.
Commentary is present.
Logical progression of ideas. Organization is clear. Transitions No discernable organization.
Transitions are present equally are present. Transitions are not present.
throughout essay.
Writing is clear and sentences Writing is clear, but sentences Writing is confusing, hard to
have varied structure. Diction is may lack variety. Diction is follow. Contains fragments
consistent. Punctuation, appropriate. A few errors in and/or run-on sentences.
spelling, capitalization are punctuation, spelling, Inappropriate diction.
generally correct, with few capitalization. (3-4) Distracting errors in
errors. (1-2) punctuation, spelling,
capitalization.
Sources are integrated into the Source material is used. Lacks sources and/or sources
text, and accurately documented Sources are accurately are not accurately documented.
using correct format. Sources documented, may contain a few Format is incorrect for all
are relevant and reliable. minor errors in format. sources.