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iRubric: Argumentative Paper rubric

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Argumentative Paper 
Rubric Code: Z86964
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 9-12

Powered by iRubric Controversial Topic Paper
Argumentative paper about a controversial topic of choice
  Exemplary

4 pts

Proficient

3 pts

Emerging

2 pts

Not Yet Demonstrated

1 pts

Introduction and Thesis
15 %

Exemplary

Well-developed introduction engages the reader and creates interest. Contains detailed background information and a clear explanation of the problem. Thesis clearly states a significant and compelling position.
Proficient

Introduction creates interest and contains background information. Thesis clearly states a problem and the writer's position is evident.
Emerging

Introduction adequately explains the background of the problem, but may lack clarity. thesis states a problem, but writer's position may not be evident.
Not Yet Demonstrated

Background details are a random collection of information, are unclear, and may be loosely related to the topic. Thesis / position is vague or not stated.
Argumentative Points
50 %

Body paragraphs, Refutation, and Conclusion

Exemplary

Well-developed argumentative points directly support the writer's thesis / position. Supporting examples are concrete and detailed. Commentary is logical and well-thought-out. Refutation acknowledges opposing viewpoints clearly and skillfully.
Utilizes appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos, while avoiding logical fallacies.
Conclusion revisits the thesis in a new way and applies the writer's position universally.
Proficient

Most argumentative points are related to the thesis, but one may lack sufficient support or deviates from thesis. Refutation acknowledges opposing viewpoint(s) with some logic and clarity. Conclusion summarizes thesis and key points with some "fresh" commentary present.
Emerging

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

Most argumentative points are poorly developed. Refutation is missing or vague. Commentary is not present. Conclusion does not re-visit the thesis or summarize key argumentative point(s).
Organization
10 %

Structure and Transitions

Exemplary

Logical progression of ideas with a clear structure that enhances the thesis. Transitions are smooth and provide coherence between and among ideas.
Proficient

Logical progression of ideas. Transitions are present throughout essay and provide adequate coherence between and among ideas.
Emerging

Organization is clear. Transitions are present, but may not lend coherence between and among ideas.
Not Yet Demonstrated

No discernible organization. Transitions are not present.
Style and Conventions
10 %

Syntax, Diction, Punctuation, Capitalization, and Grammar

Exemplary

Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Diction is consistent and words are well-chosen. The tone is highly consistent with writer's position / thesis and appropriate throughout essay. Punctuation, spelling, & capitalization are accurate with few or no errors.
Proficient

Writing is clear and sentences have some varied structure. Diction is appropriate. Tone is generally consistent with writer's position / thesis and is appropriate throughout essay. Punctuation, spelling, & capitalization are generally accurate, with some errors.
Emerging

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. Diction is sometimes inconsistent and/or inappropriate at various points in essay. Tone may be inconsistent with writer's position / thesis. Several errors in punctuation, spelling, & capitalization.
Not Yet Demonstrated

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. Diction is inappropriate and inconsistent throughout essay. Tone of piece is highly inconsistent with writer's position / thesis. Many errors in punctuation, spelling, & capitalization distract reader.
Sources, Citations, Bibliography
15 %

Exemplary

Evidence from sources is smoothly and logically integrated into essay and serves to add credibility & insight to writer's position / thesis. All sources are cited accurately and are highly relevant and reliable. Uses at least 3 sources.
Proficient

Evidence from source(s) is integrated into the text. Most sources are cited accurately and are generally relevant and reliable. Uses at least 3 sources.
Emerging

Some source material is used and may or may not lend credibility to writer's position / thesis. Several sources may not be cited accurately. Relevance and reliability may be questionable.
Not Yet Demonstrated

Little or no source material is used. Source citations are not evident or may be highly inaccurate. Relevance and/or reliability are strongly in question.




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