iRubric: Argumentative Paper rubric

Well-developed argumentative points directly support the thesis/position. Concrete, detailed supporting examples. Logical, well-thought-out commentary. Acknowledges opposing viewpoints clearly, skillfully.
Appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos, avoiding logical fallacies.
Conclusion revisits the thesis in a new way and applies writer's position universally.

Most argumentative points related to thesis, one may lack sufficient support / deviate from thesis. Acknowledges opposing viewpoint(s) with some logic, clarity. Conclusion summarizes thesis and key points with some "fresh" commentary.

More than one argumentative point lacks sufficient details / support. Writer attempts to address one or more opposing arguments, but may not refute opposition clearly or adequately. Conclusion mirrors introduction too closely, with little or no new commentary on thesis / position.

Most argumentative points poorly developed. Refutation missing or vague. Commentary not present. Conclusion does not re-visit the thesis or summarize key argumentative point(s).

Argument points without development.
Little or no refutation, or commentary. Lacks conclusion.

Smooth, skillful, coherent writing. Strong and expressive sentences with varied structure. Consistent diction, well-chosen words. Highly consistent tone, writer's position / thesis and appropriate throughout essay. Accurate punctuation, spelling, & capitalization with few / no errors.

Clear writing, some varied sentence structure. Diction appropriate. Tone generally consistent with writer's position / thesis, appropriate throughout essay. Punctuation, spelling, & capitalization generally accurate, with some errors.

Clear writing, sentences lack variety. Diction sometimes inconsistent and/or inappropriate at various points. Tone may be inconsistent with writer's position / thesis. Several errors in punctuation, spelling, & capitalization.

Writing is confusing, hard to follow, with fragments and/or run-on sentences. Diction inappropriate, inconsistent throughout essay. Tone highly inconsistent with writer's position / thesis. Many errors in punctuation, spelling, & capitalization distract reader.

Little evidence of standard usage. No tone. Multiple errors with repetition.