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iRubric: Rubric for the Opposing Viewpoints Essay

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Rubric for the Opposing Viewpoints Essay Rubric for the Explaining Opposing Views Essay A tool to evaluate the 700-800 word concept essay explaining opposing viewpoints of a current controversy. Three sources required. Rubric Code: M7979B By dwhite8 Ready to use Public Rubric Subject: English Type: Writing Grade Levels: Undergraduate

Content, Development & Organization
	Poor 10 pts	Fair 20 pts	Good 25 pts	Excellent 30 pts
Content & Development 35 pts Does the author clearly state his/her position in the thesis towards the end of the introduction? Do you think the writer clearly explains and fully develops the different positions on the issue? Does the author use compelling and insightful evidence and explain each thoroughly? In the explanations for the opposiiton's viewpoints, does the author acknowledge and refute effectively? SCORE:	Poor Analysis seems confused, superficial, obvious, brief or poorly supported.	Fair Partially explains the issue and the different views with some uncertainty about the importance of the issue or the varied views. Merely informs the reader of the opposition's views, but does not effectively acknowledge and refute.	Good Analysis of differing views is adequate. Still needs more information, reasons or details to clearly explain the points of agreement and disagreement.	Excellent Analysis of differing views is interesting, original, complete and well supported.
Organization 35 pts Is the synthesis clear and easy to follow? Are paragraphs unified around a single topic and cohesive? Is the issue (and the opposing positions) introduced effectively? Is the plan - chunking or comparing - readable with helpful transitions? SCORE:	Poor Paragraphs uncontrolled and poorly connected. Weak or missing transitions. Ineffective or incomplete introduction, and conclusion.	Fair Plan seems erratic or not fully under control. Essay divided into introduction, body, and conclusion but lacks energy and engagement.	Good Follows a workable plan. Paragraphs are focused with good transitions. Set up is serviceable, body is readable, and conclusion works.	Excellent Effective and logical plan with fine transitions and forecasting. Essay employs superb introduction.and conclusion. The body of the paper follows as a minimum the format given and effectively integrates the different parts of the paragraphs.
Sources & Quotes
	Poor 2 pts	Fair 5 pts	Good 10 pts	Excellent 15 pts
Sources & Quotes 15 pts Are there at least 4 credible, relevant sources that are used effectively? Is MLA Style followed correctly in citations and the Works Cited page?	Poor Does not use sources (or only one, or inappropriate ones) or the quotes, summaries and paraphrases are poorly handled or fail to to describe or explain the issue and views on it. Does not use correct MLA style.	Fair Uses some quotes, summary and paraphrasing from sources, but sources poor or issue is difficult to visualize or understand. Does not use correct MLA style	Good Uses quotes, summary and paraphrasing from 4 sources to explain the concept. Uses MLA style with some errors.	Excellent Excellent use of 4 or more sources that are summarized, paraphrased or quoted to enliven and explain the issue. Correct use of MLA style.
Grammar and Style
	Poor 2 pts	Fair 5 pts	Good 8 pts	Excellent 10 pts
Grammar/Formatting 10 pts Are there spelling, punctuation, and capitalization errors? Are there grammar errors, such as fragments, run-ons, comma splices, or subject-verb agreement? Do these errors make the writing difficult to understand? Does the paper adhere to teacher guidleines as outlined on the syllabus (e.g. typed, double spaced, font size and type, etc.)? SCORE:	Poor Contains many distracting errors that make the writing difficult to understand. Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Sentences are simple and vocabulary is limited.	Fair A few errors or a pattern of errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization. Grammar problems make some sentences difficult to understand. Sentences lack variety and interest. Vocabulary simple and perhaps colloquial.	Good Punctuation, spelling, grammar, and capitalization are generally correct with few errors. Sentences are varied. Vocabulary is good.	Excellent No significant errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization. Ideas are clear and easy to understand. Writing is smooth and skillful. Sentences are varied and expressive. Vocabulary is mature.
Formatting
	Poor 1 pts	Fair 2 pts	Good 4 pts	Excellent 5 pts
Formatting 5 pts Does the writer follow the guidelines to use 1 inch margins, double space the essay, and indent 5 spaces for the first line of a new paragraph? (See syllabus for paper submission guidelines)	Poor Formatting guidelines and assignment specifications are not followed.	Fair Several formatting errors.	Good Missing one formatting element.	Excellent Formatting follows assignment specifications.

Keywords:

opposing views essay, Freshman Composition

Subjects:

English

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