iRubric: Argumentative Essay rubric

The introductory paragraph is interesting. Moving from general to specific. The thesis statement is located at the end of the paragraph and includes the 3 supporting topics.

The introductory paragraph is somewhat interesting. Moving from general to specific. The thesis statement is located at the end of the paragraph and includes the 3 supporting topics.

The introductory paragraph is somewhat interesting. The thesis statement is not at the end of the paragraph but still includes the 3 supporting topics.

The introductory paragraph is not interesting. The thesis statement is not at the end of the paragraph and it is not clear what the three supporting arguments are.

Opposing argument is identified and clear and is followed by a refutation.
The first two body paragraphs contain refutations.
The last body paragraph contains a concession.
In the concession the author clearly agrees with the opposing view and still states why their opinion is right.

Opposing argument is identified and clear and is followed by a refutation but the refutation isn't clear.
The first two body paragraphs contain refutations.
The last body paragraph contains a concession.
In the concession the author clearly agrees with the opposing view and still states why their opinion is right.

Opposing argument is identified, but unclear. It isn't followed immediately by a refutation.
Only one body paragraph contains a refutation.
The last body paragraph contains a concession.
In the concession it isn't clear that the author agrees with the opposing view and doesn't state why their opinion is right.

Opposing argument is unclear and there is no refutation.
The last body paragraph does not contain a concession or it is unclear that it is a concession.

Arguments and support are provided in a logical order that makes it easy and interesting to follow the author's train of thought.
Uses effective transition statements to link one paragraph to the next. Not just transition words.

Arguments and support are provided in a fairly logical order that makes it reasonably easy to follow the author's train of thought.
Uses somewhat effective transition statements to link one paragraph to the next. Not just transition words.

A few of the support details or arguments are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the essay seem a little confusing.
Only uses transition words and not phrases to link paragraphs.

Many of the support details or arguments are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the essay seem very confusing.
Doesn't use transition statements.

Properly cites all references in essay.
Follows all MLA rules for Works Cited list with no errors in citation format.

Properly cites most references in essay.
Follows most MLA rules for Work Cited list with one or two errors in citation format.

Cited references in the essay but cited incorrectly.
Follows some MLA rules for Work Cited list with more then two errors in citation format.

References are rarely cited if at all. They are often cited incorrectly.
Missing Works Cited list.