Persuasive Essay Rubric Name:

5 4 3 2-0
 Point range
Well-developed Introduction contains Thesis and/or problem is
Introduction states the
introduction contains some background vague or unclear.
INTRODUCTION detailed background information and states
thesis but does not
Background details are a
Background/History adequately explain the
information, a clear the problem, but does seemingly random
Define the Problem background of the
explanation or definition not explain using collection of information,
Thesis Statement problem. The problem is
of the problem, and a details. States the unclear, or not related to
stated, but lacks detail.
thesis statement. thesis of the paper. the topic.

Conclusion summarizes
the main reasons without Conclusion summarizes Conclusion does not
Conclusion summarizes
repeating previous main topics, but is adequately summarize the
main topics.  Some
CONCLUSION sentences; writer's
suggestions for change
repetitive and/or there main points. No
suggestions for change are no suggestions for suggestions for change are
are being developed.
are logical and well change included. included.
thought out.

Logical progression of Reasons attempted, but

MAIN POINTS ideas from beginning to may lack detail and/or Reasons all lack Less than three reasons
Body Paragraphs end; Has a minimum of 3 development. Possibly development and stated; overall poor
reasons with support for missing evidence for support. development. 
all reasons. support.

Resources are smoothly

Attempt is made to
integrated into the text No sources included OR No evidence and sources
IN TEXT CITATIONS and cited correctly within
integrate evidence and
integration is missing. are missing.
include source.
the text.
The writer treats the
SENTENCE subject seriously using The writer uses some
formal language. All informal language Many unclear or
DEVELOPMENT Numerous unclear or
sentences are complete, and/or slang. Most confusing sentences;
incomplete sentences.
and clear. The writer uses sentences are complete fragments/run-ons.
  a variety of sentences and clear.
throughout the paper.

MECHANICS Punctuation and

More than a few errors Many errors in Work contains multiple
capitalization are correct
Punctuation & or there are very few
in punctuation and/or punctuation and/or errors in punctuation
Capitalization capitalization. capitalization. and/or capitalization.
errors.
Verb tense is consistent
There are more than a There are many errors in There are multiple errors in
GRAMMAR or there are very few
few errors in grammar. grammar. grammar.
grammar errors overall.