Name____________________________________________
Civil War Argument Rubric
Distinguished
Introduction & Hook is engaging and
Central Claim creative. Author provides
reader with adequate
background information.
Central claim is strong and
well written.
Sub Claim s, Each body paragraph (at
Evidence & W arrant least 3) focuses on a
separate, solid sub claim,
supported with powerful
evidence discussed in the
warrant. Combined
paragraphs create a
persuasive and coherent
argument.
Best Objection Essay has a thoughtful and
thorough best objection
paragraph.
Conclusion Conclusion effectively
recaps all sub claims and
leaves the reader with
something extra to think
about.
Anatom y of All components of
Argum ent argument are accurately
color coded
Docum entation All sources are accurately
documented and adhere to
the standards of MLA
format.
Sources 6+ book sources
6+ reliable internet sources
2+ periodicals from online
database
* Two of the above sources
must be a primary source.
M echanics Essay is free of grammatical
and/or spelling mistakes.
Form atting Essay adheres to all
formatting guidelines.
Essay is presented very
professionally.
Grade_______________________
Advanced M eets Does Not M eet
Hook is engaging. Author Essay begins with a hook, Introduction is lacking a hook,
provides reader with some some background information adequate background
background information. and a strong central claim. information and/or central
Central claim is strong. claim.
Each body paragraph (at Each body paragraph (at least One or more body paragraphs
least 3) focuses on a 3) focuses on a separate sub are missing a clear sub claim,
separate sub claim, claim, supported with evidence and/or warrant.
supported with appropriate evidence discussed
appropriate evidence in the warrant.
discussed in the warrant.
Combined paragraphs
create a coherent
argument.
Essay has a thoughtful Essay has a best objection Essay does not have a best
best objection paragraph. paragraph. objection paragraph.
Conclusion effectively Essay has a conclusion. Essay does not have a
recaps all sub claims. conclusion.
Most components of Components of argument are
argument are accurately color not accurately color coded.
coded.
All sources are All sources are parenthetically Sources are not cited
documented and adhere to cited. Essay has a Works Cited parenthetically and/or in a
most standards of MLA page. Works Cited Page.
format.
5 book sources 3-4 book sources Research requirements are not
4-5 reliable internet 3-4 reliable internet sources met.
sources
1 periodical from online
database
*One of the above sources
must be a primary source.
Essay contains few Essay contains some Essay contains many
grammatical and/or grammatical and/or spelling grammatical and/or spelling
spelling mistakes. mistakes. mistakes.
Essay adheres to all Essay adheres to most Essay does not adhere to
formatting guidelines. formatting guidelines. formatting guidelines.