Argumentative Essay Rubric: Justice or No Justice

CATEGORY

4 - Above Standar 3 - Meets Standar 2 - Approaching Standar 1 - Below Standar

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Score

Introduction/Thesis Well-developed

introduction that grasps

the reader to seek
interest. Introduction
includes background
information and a clear
explanation of the
problem. The thesis
states a meaningful and
convincing position.

Argumentative
Points

Argumentative points
are well-developed and
coincide with the
writer\\'s position.
Supporting examples
are specific and
detailed. Writer
acknowledges opposing
viewpoints clearly and
proficiently. Conclusion
restates the thesis in a
new way and
summarizes key points.

Introduction creates
interest and contains
background
information. The thesis
states problem and the
writer's position is
apparent.

Introduction sufficiently explains

the background of the problem,
but lacks clarity. The thesis
states a problem but the writer's
position is not clear.

Background details are

a random collection of
information, are unclear
and inaccurately relate
to the topic. The thesis
does state a position.

Most argumentative
points are related to the
position, but one may
lack adequate support
or diverges from
position. Writer
acknowledges
opposing viewpoint with
some rationale and
clarity. Conclusion
summarizes thesis and
some key points.

More than one argumentative

point lacks sufficient details and
support. Writer struggles to
address one or more opposing
viewpoints. Conclusion mimics
introduction very closely with
minimal new commentary on
writer's position.

Most argumentative
points are poorly
developed. There is
minimal to no
opposition viewpoints.
Commentary is not
present. The conclusion
does not restate or
revisit the thesis or
summarize key points.

Organization

Arguments and support

are provided in a logical
order that makes it easy
and interesting to follow
the author's train of
thought.

Arguments and support

are provided in a fairly
logical order that makes
it reasonably easy to
follow the author's train
of thought.

A few of the support details or

arguments are not in an
expected or logical order,
distracting the reader and
making the essay seem a little
confusing.

Many of the support

details or arguments
are not in an expected
or logical order,
distracting the reader
and making the essay
seem very confusing.

Conventions

Author makes no errors

in grammar or spelling
that distract the reader
from the content.

Author makes 1-2

errors in grammar or
spelling that distract the
reader from the
content.

Author makes 3-4 errors in

grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.

Author makes more

than 4 errors in
grammar or spelling
that distract the reader
from the content.

Sources

Evidence from sources

are smoothly and
reasonably integrated
into the essay, which
will add credibility and
perception to the writer's
position. All sources
used for quotes,
statistics and facts are
credible and cited
correctly.

Evidence from sources

are integrated into the
essay. Most sources
used for quotes,
statistics and facts are
credible and most are
cited correctly.

Several sources used may or

may not be creditable to the
writer's position. Some sources
used for quotes, statistics and
facts are questionable or cited
inaccurately.

Few to no sources
utilized. Many sources
are questionable and/or
are not cited correctly.