ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

(3) Above expected level (2) At expected level (1) Below expected level

 Detailed background information
 A very clear explanation or definition of the problem,
INTRODUCTION using devices to create interest.
 A very well-formed, properly placed thesis
statement.
 Quite detailed background information
 A clear explanation or definition of the problem,
using devices to create interest.
 A well-formed, properly placed thesis statement
 Some general background information
 Some explanation or definition of the problem,
using devices to create interest.
 A quite well-formed but properly placed thesis
statement

 Three or more main points are well developed with  Three or more main points are present but may lack  Fewer than three main points, with poor
BODY supporting details. detail and development in one or two. development of ideas.
 It is obvious that a plan was developed to create  Overall, the paper is logically developed.  There are some examples of poor organizational
sound, logical development. planning.

 Conclusion summarizes all main topics without  Conclusion summarizes main topics with few  Conclusion summarizes some main points
CONCLUSION repeating previous sentences previous sentences repeated. repeating previous sentences
 Writer's commentary and suggestions for change are  Some suggestions for change are evident.  Few commentary or suggestions for change are
logical and well thought out. included.

 Source material is somehow integrated into the text  Lacks sources or shows evidence of copying
 Source material is smoothly integrated into the text.
WORKS CITED  Most sources are accurately documented in the from published papers.
 All sources are accurately documented in the
reference page using APA.  Few sources are accurately documented in the
reference page using APA.
reference page using APA.

 Sentence structure is always correct and sentences  Sentence structure is rarely correct and
 Sentence structure is mostly correct and sentences
are varied (beginnings, length, structures). sentences are quite repetitive (beginnings,
are varied (beginnings, length, structures).
LANGUAGE AND  Academic and domain-specific vocabulary is clearly length, structures).
 Academic and domain-specific vocabulary is mostly
MECHANICS appropriate for the audience and purpose  Academic and domain-specific vocabulary is
appropriate for the audience and purpose
 Punctuation, spelling and capitalization are all quite appropriate for the audience and purpose
 Punctuation, spelling and capitalization are mostly
correct.  Punctuation, spelling and capitalization are rarely
correct.
correct.