Comprehensive Rubric: Argument Writing

4 3 2 1 Introduction Begins with a lead that engages reader; Lead is present; topic Lead is missing or confusing; No lead; topic not defined or effectively introduces topic; introduces the and statement of claim introduction is weak (lacking clear confusing; claim not stated. claim; reasons previewed. introduced adequately. focus); claim is unclear. Content Writing demonstrates thorough Writing demonstrates Writing demonstrates minimal Writing demonstrates content understanding of content. sufficient understanding of the content. misunderstanding. understanding of Requirements Content requirements exceeded. content. Some content requirements met. Content requirements were not met. Content requirements Content is examined and sufficiently met adequately. Content has been mentioned, but Content is absent from paper; Examined & explained; information is accurate and not thoroughly explained; evidence from sources is minimal, Explained relevant; comprehensive evidence from Content is explained; evidence from sources is vague or absent, or incorrect; question of sources is integrated effectively. Most information is not integrated well; questionable credibility/accuracy of sources. accurate and relevant; credibility/accuracy of sources. Precise language and subject-specific evidence from sources Vocabulary vocabulary is used accurately & effectively. is present. Subject-specific vocabulary is Subject-specific vocabulary is sometimes used accurately. misused or not present.

Subject-specific vocabulary is used consistently & accurately. Development Claim is supported with logical reasons; Claim is supported with Underdeveloped reasons and Disorganized; reasons and of Ideas evidence supporting reasons is effective and reasons; evidence is supporting evidence; redundancy evidence are irrelevant or missing; presented in an organized way; rebuttal to provided that explains or repetitious paraphrasing; writing may be related to topic but Organization counter-claim is clear and reasoned; ideas are reasons; a rebuttal to rebuttal to counter-claim may be lacks focus. clear and focused; sufficient and relevant counter-claim is missing or unclear. detail. provided; more detail Transitions or clarity needed to Appropriate and varied transitions are used develop and extend throughout to clarify relationships among ideas. ideas. Inconsistent use of transitions. Minimal, if any, transitions are used.

Adequate use of transitions. Conclusion Conclusion effectively creates closure to the Conclusion adequately Conclusion is present, but lacks Conclusion is missing or not piece, highlights and supports the claim. supports the claim. clear connection to the claim connected to the claim. presented. Style Style, tone, and language well-suited to Style, tone, and Style, tone or language may not be Style, tone or task not appropriate audience, task, purpose; consistent language appropriate appropriate to the audience, task to audience, task or purpose. throughout the piece. for the audience, task or purpose at times. and purpose.

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