Argument Rubric (30pts possible)

Category
Focus or Thesis Statement

Support for Position

Closing Paragraph

Voice and Tone

Grammar & Spelling

Citations/Bibliography

Requirements:
12 point font
Double spaced

4 Above Standard
The thesis statement names
the topic of the essay and
outlines the main points to
be discussed.
Includes 3 or more pieces of
evidence that support the
position statement. The
writer anticipates the
readers concerns, biases or
arguments and has provided
at least 1 counter-argument.
The conclusion is strong and
leaves the reader solidly
understanding the writers
position. Effective
restatement of the position
statement begins the closing
paragraph.
Writer appears to care about
the argument and has a
definite tone. Appeals to the
readers emotion, reason,
credible argument, and facts.
Author makes no errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Author includes all necessary
citations and a work cited
page with no errors.

3 Meet Standard
The thesis statement names
the topic of the essay.

2 Approaching Standard
The thesis statement
outlines some or all of the
main points to be discussed
but does not name the topic.
Includes 2 pieces of evidence
(facts, statistics, examples,
real-life experiences) that
support the position
statement.

1 Below Standard
The thesis statement does
not name the topic AND
does not preview what will
be discussed.
Includes 1 or fewer pieces of
evidence (facts, statistics,
examples, real-life
experiences).

The conclusion is
recognizable. The authors
position is restated within
the first two sentences of
the closing paragraph.

The authors position is

restated within the closing
paragraph, but not near the
beginning.

There is no conclusion the

paper just ends.

Tone is present but is not

distinctive. Needs to appeal
more to the audience.

Writing is bland or
indistinctive. Does not
attempt to appeal to the
readers emotion or
reasoning.
Author makes 3-4 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Author makes 1-3 errors in
citations or working
bibliography but all are
included.

Writing lacks tone. The

reader was not considered. It
may be either too formal or
informal for the audience.

Includes 3 or more pieces of

evidence (facts, statistics,
examples, real-life
experiences) that support
the position statement.

Author makes 1-2 errors in

grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Author included all
necessary citations and work
cited page with few errors.

Author makes more than 4

errors in grammar or spelling
that distract the reader from
the content.
Author makes 4 or more
mistakes in citations or
missing works cited page.