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Argument Essay 
Argument Essay
Argument Essay in MLA style scoring rubric.
Rubric Code: R62A84
By pzillme
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 9-12

Powered by iRubric Criteria for Paragraph
  Poor

(N/A)

Fair

(N/A)

Good

(N/A)

Excellent

(N/A)

Introduction/Thesis Statement

Poor

The introduction and thesis statement do not include what is being argued, and there is no clear stand taken.
Fair

The introduction and thesis statement contains the topic being argued, but they may not take a clear stand.
Good

The introduction and thesis statement are fairly well developed. But they are not very engaging or creative.
Excellent

Very well developed introduction and thesis statement. They engage the reader and create interest. They clearly state the topic being argued and take a stand.
Body Paragraphs

Poor

Each paragraph does not contain a topic sentence.
Reasons for the argument are not stated, or there are obvious fallacies that contradict the details and examples. Perhaps the argument is an unsupported rant.
Fair

Each paragraph contains a topic sentence but the relationship to the thesis is not clearly evident in each one.
Reasons for the argument are stated, but there are few concrete and specific details or examples to support the argument adequately or logically.
Good

Each paragraph contains a topic sentence related to the thesis statement.
Reasons for the argument are stated and there are enough details and examples to support the argument adequately and logically.
Excellent

Each paragraph contains a clearly focused topic sentence that relates to the thesis statement.
Reasons for the argument are clearly stated, and there are enough details to support the argument effectively and thoroughly. Concrete and specific examples are presented that effectively support and strengthen the argument.
Overall Organization

Poor

No discernible organization. Reasons are either missing or not in any discernible order. They do not support the argument or there are obvious fallacies in the proposed logic.
Fair

Reasons are in a discernible order, but there are not enough to effectively support the argument as presented in the thesis statement.
Good

Reasons are in a clear. effective order and they adequately support the argument as presented in the thesis statement.
Excellent

Reasons are effectively supported by details and examples that are presented in a very effective order that enhances and strengthens the argument as presented in the thesis statement.
Conclusion

Poor

There is no apparent conclusion or restating of the argument.
Fair

The concluding paragraph summarizes the argument based on the thesis, but it offers little to no additional support or validity for the argument.
Good

The concluding paragraph restates the argument based on the thesis statement. It also gives valid and logical reasons that support the argument.
Excellent

The concluding paragraph clearly and effectively restates the argument and gives valid reasons in support of the argument. It may also call for action from the reader or at least invoke thought about the argument.
Style: sentence flow, tone, and

Poor

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. The tone and purpose is inconsistent and difficult to determine. Transitions are either missing or inappropriate.
Fair

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent and word choice, while adequate, could be better. While transitions are present they do not add to the overall effectiveness of the paragraph.
Good

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with fairly good use of transitions to guide the reader.
Excellent

Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice is used throughout the paragraph. Transitions are appropriate and add to the effectiveness of the paragraph.
Mechanics

Poor

Distracting and major errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.
Fair

A few errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization that, while distracting, the meaning and intent of the paragraph can still be discerned.
Good

A few minor errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization, but they do not detract from the overall meaning and effectiveness of the paragraph.
Excellent

No errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization.
MLA citation/Works Citede

Poor

Quotes and citations integrated incorrectly. Works Cited page is full of errors.
Fair

Direct quotes, paraphrasing, or integrating quotes is not done correctly. The Works Cited page also may have a few errors.
Good

Direct quotes and/or paraphrasing is somewhat integrated smoothly. The Works Cited page has an error.
Excellent

Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. All direct quotes and paraphrasing are cited and integrated correctly. The Works Cited page is without errors.
Definition

Poor

Student fails to display knowledge of how the term’s definition has been deployed in the past, while advocating a future definition that addresses an audience concerned with the issue.
Fair

Students engages with definition on a base level but fails to discuss the larger issue at stake.
Good

Student deploys the term and understands the history fine, but fails to articulate and argue for a future definition.
Excellent

Student excels at displaying knowledge of how the term’s definition has been deployed in the past, while advocating a future definition that addresses an audience concerned with the issue.



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  • Definition Paragraph, rubric, writing components

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