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Argumentative Research Paper 
Argumentative Research Paper
Culminating Assignment and Final Exam for Grade 12 Students. Students selected a topic they were passionate about. They wrote an Argumentative Paper, defending a thesis with an opinion supported by research from peer-reviewed journals found using the JSTOR database. Citations in APA format required.
Rubric Code: WX232A7
By cpapouchis
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Assignment  
Grade Levels: 9-12

Powered by iRubric Culminating
66 % Preparation
  0

0 pts

1

1 pts

2

2 pts

3

3 pts

4

4 pts

Research Paper Proposal
20 %

0

Not submitted.
1

A topic was submitted in writing within 24 hours of the exam.

No additional requirement, such as an Essential Question, was submitted.
2

Topic approved less than one week but more than 24 hours prior to exam.

Submitted at least one additional requirement such as an Essential Question.
3

Submitted at least 2 out of 4 requirements.

Topic approved and Essential Question determined at least one week prior to exam.
4

Submitted proposal using the template provided OR at least 3 out of 4 requirements of the template including:
- Topic/Why Chosen
- Working Thesis
- Approach to Subject
- Tentative List of References
Pre-Exam Outline
60 %

Notes and Quotations
0

Not submitted.
1

Minimal notes and/or quotations were emailed at the last minute (within 24 hours of the exam).
No in-text citations.
Less than 2 sources.
Almost no evidence of preparation.
2

Minimal notes and quotations were emailed at least 24 hours prior to the exam.
In-text citations were not in APA format.
Between 2 and 4 sources from academic journals found using JSTOR or other approved database.
Little evidence of thorough preparation required to write research paper.
3

Two pages total as a detailed outline in logical sequence OR
one page point form notes and one page quotations.
Quotations must have in-text citations in APA format.
Minimum 5 sources from academic journals found using JSTOR or other approved database.
Emailed in correct format at least 24 hours prior to final exam.
4

Two pages total as a detailed outline in logical sequence OR
one page point form notes and one page quotations.
Quotations must have in-text citations in APA format.
Minimum 5 sources from academic journals found using JSTOR or other approved database.
Emailed in correct format by Tuesday prior to final exam.
References Page
20 %

0

Not submitted.
1

More than four errors or not APA format.
2

Three or four errors.
3

One or two errors.
4

Follows all rules for References page in APA format.
Two minor errors allowed (ie. forgot space after period).
Bonus for no errors!
Final Exam
34 %
  0

0 pts

1

1 pts

2

2 pts

3

3 pts

4

4 pts

Introduction/Thesis
10 %

0

No introduction.
1

Introduction is not interesting AND is not relevant to the topic.
Thesis is missing or is unclear.
2

Introduction is interesting, but the connection to the topic is not always clear.
Thesis may be unclear or the main issues are vague.
3

Hook or attention grabber is weak or rambling.
Thesis provides a clear, strong statement of the main issues and the author's position on the topic.
4

Strong hook or attention grabber.
Thesis provides a clear, strong statement of the main issues and the author's position on the topic.
Support for Position
50 %

0

No support for position.
1

Body paragraphs include 1 or fewer pieces of evidence that are NOT relevant AND/OR not explained.
2

Evidence to support the thesis lacks detail, is not backed up with research, and/or does not include quotations.
3

Each sub-topic that supports the overall thesis contains pieces of evidence that are mostly:
- Specific and relevant
- Interpreted and explained
- Backed up with research including quotations woven into the paragraphs.
4

Each sub-topic that supports the overall thesis contains pieces of evidence that are:
- Specific and relevant
- Interpreted and explained
- Backed up with research including quotations woven into the paragraphs.
Opposing Views and Rebuttal
10 %

0

Not included in essay.
1

Opposing view OR rebuttal not presented.
2

Opposing view is identified but unclear.
Rebuttal is weak and vague in refuting opponent's point of view.
3

Opposing view is presented using research to support the argument.
Rebuttal is moderately clear and concise in refuting opponent's point of view.
4

Opposing view is presented in a compelling way using research to support the argument.
Rebuttal is clear and concise in refuting opponent's point of view.
Conclusion
10 %

0

No conclusion.
1

The conclusion:
- Is unclear about the writer's position.
- Fails to share significance of issue.
- Lacks a connection to the reader's world.
2

The conclusion:
- Leaves the reader somewhat understanding the writer's position.
- Shares significance of issue.
- May lack a connection to the reader's world.
3

The conclusion:
- Leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer's position.
- Shares significance of issue and unanswered questions.
- Attempts to make a connection to the reader's world by leaving reader with something to think about.
4

The conclusion:
- Leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer's position.
- Shares significance of issue and unanswered questions.
- Makes a clear connection to the reader's world by leaving reader with something to think about.
Sequencing/Organization
10 %

0

Not written.
1

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.
2

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.

Transitions are weak.
3

Arguments and support are provided in a fairly logical order that makes it reasonably easy to follow the author's train of thought.

Good
transitions throughout.
4

Arguments and support are provided in a logical order that makes it easy and interesting to follow the author's train of thought.


Evident, and smooth
transitions throughout.
Mechanics
10 %

0

Not written.
1

Little mastery of
mechanics. More than 10 errors in
capitalization,
punctuation, spelling,
and grammar greatly
interfere with
meaning.

Many pronoun/antecedent agreement problems.

Personal pronouns are frequently used.

Mostly informal, non-academic style (colloquial, cliche or “slangy”).
2

Student shows
average mastery of
mechanics. Although
errors in spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation, and
grammar are evident,
the meaning mostly remains
clear; 6-10 errors in total including:

- Pronoun/antecedent agreement problems.

- Personal
pronouns (I, me, my,
mine, you, we) are not used..

Written mostly in appropriately formal academic style (not colloquial, cliche or “slangy”).
3

Above average
mastery of mechanics. Spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation, and
grammatical errors
are minor and do not interfere with meaning; 3-6 errors in total including:

- Pronoun/antecedent agreement problems.

- Personal
pronouns (I, me, my,
mine, you, we) are not used.

Written mostly in appropriately formal academic style (not colloquial, cliche or “slangy”).
4

Excellent mastery of
mechanics. Spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation, and
grammar are almost all correct; 2-3 errors in total including:

- Pronoun/antecedent agreement problems.

- Personal
pronouns (I, me, my,
mine, you, we) are not used.

Written in appropriately formal academic style (not colloquial, cliche or “slangy”).



Keywords:
  • Argumentative Essay, University Preparation

Subjects:


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