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Argument-Persuasion Essay 
Argument-Persuasion Essay scoring rubric on a 10 point scale.
Rubric Code: R78A7A
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 9-12, Undergraduate

Powered by iRubric Criteria for Argument-Persuasion
  Excellent

10 pts

Good

8 pts

Fair

5 pts

Poor

3 pts

Introduction/Thesis Statement
10 pts

Introduction/
Statement of Case/
Thesis

Excellent

Very well developed introduction, statement of case, and thesis. They engage the reader and create interest. The thesis statement is clear and specific.
Good

The introduction and thesis statement are fairly well developed. Thesis statement lacks required specificity.
Fair

The introduction and thesis statement contains the topic being argued, but they may not take a clear position
Poor

The introduction and thesis statement do not include what is being argued, and there is no clear stand taken.
Confirmation (logos)
10 pts

Logic and Soundness of the argument being presented using facts, examples, and statistics

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.
Good

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

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

Argument is not sound. 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.
Conclusion
10 pts

Finishes with strong conviction, call to action, or review of main points

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.
Good

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

There is no apparent conclusion or restating of the argument.
Digression (pathos/ethos)
10 pts

Appeals to the needs and values of the reader. Includes anecdotes or descriptions.

Excellent

Examples are used effectively, without going over board into emotionalism. Also, if warranted provides a call to action. Examples and details are in a very effective order that enhances and strengthens the argument as presented in the thesis statement.
Good

Examples/details are in a clear effective order and they adequately support the argument as presented in the thesis statement.
Fair

Examples/details are in a discernible order, but there are not enough to effectively support the argument as presented in the thesis statement OR it borders on emotionalism, thereby turning off the audience.
Poor

Pathos is too emotional and has 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.
Refutation
10 pts

Refutes the opposing argument(s), exposes faulty reasoning

Excellent

Author shows the reader both sides of the argument, yet strongly prove that his/her assertion is the correct one.
Good

Author relays to the reader both sides of the argument, giving somewhat unbiased example of the opposing view. Argues effectively for his/her side, but could be stronger.
Fair

Author does not relay both sides of the argument and/or does not given an unbiased example for the opposing view.
Poor

Author does not show both sides or shows other side in a biased manor.
Mechanics
10 pts

Paper has been edited for mechanics

Excellent

No errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization.
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.
Fair

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

Distracting and major errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.
MLA citation/Works Cited
10 pts

In-text citations and Works Cited page.

Excellent

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

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. Direct quotes and/or paraphrasing is somewhat integrated smoothly. The Works Cited page has an error.
Fair

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. Direct quotes, paraphrasing, or integrating quotes is not done correctly, bordering on plagiarism. The Works Cited page also may have errors.
Poor

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Plagiarism is apparent and the Works Cited page is full of errors.



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