Rubric for the Assessment of the Argumentative Essay

Points
Earned
 

4

3

2

1

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

____

CONCLUSION Conclusion summarizes the main topics without repeating previous sentences; writer's opinions and suggestions for change are logical and well thought out. Conclusion summarizes main topics.  Some suggestions for change are evident. Conclusion summarizes main topics, but is repetitive. No suggestions for change and/or opinions are included. Conclusion does not adequately summarize the main points. No suggestions for change or opinions are included. ____
MAIN POINTS
Body Paragraphs
Refutation
Three or more main points are well developed with supporting details. Refutation paragraph acknowledges the opposing view, and summarizes their main points. Three or more main points are present but may lack detail and development in one or two. Refutation paragraph acknowledges the opposing view, but doesn't summarize points. Three or more main points, but all lack development. Refutation paragraph missing and/or vague. Less than three main points, with poor development of ideas.  Refutation missing or vague. ____
USE OF SOURCES
Documentation

All source material is used and smoothly integrated into the text. All sources are accurately documented and in the desired format on the Works Cited page.
All sources are relevant and reliable.

All source material is used. All sources are accurately documented, but a few are not in the desired format on the Works Cited page.
Most sources are relevant and reliable.

All sources are accurately documented, but many are not in the desired format on the Works Cited page. Some sources are relevant and reliable.

Lacks sources and/or sources are not accurately documented. Incorrect format is used.
Sources are not relevant nor reliable.

____

SENTENCE PRECISION
Sentence Clarity

 

The writer treats the subject seriously using formal language. All sentences are complete, accurate, and clear; the writer controls the point of view appropriately. The writer uses some informal language and slang. Most sentences are complete, accurate and clear; there is an occasional use of "you" in the essay, indicating a lack of revision or control. Some unclear or confused sentences; the writer shifts person throughout the essay or uses "you" and "I" frequently. Many unclear or incomplete sentences. ____
MECHANICS
Punctuation & Capitalization
Punctuation and capitalization are correct. Sentence structure is generally correct. Some awkward sentences do appear. There are one or two errors in punctuation and/or capitalization. Work contains structural weaknesses and grammatical errors. There are three or four errors in punctuation and/or capitalization. Work contains multiple incorrect sentence structures. There are four or more errors in punctuation and/or capitalization. ____
   


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