PERSUASIVE ESSAY RUBRIC

Criteria
Ideas / Content

Organization

Word Choice

Sentence Fluency

Conventions

4
EXCELLENT

3
SATISFACTORY

2
GOOD

1
BEGINNIN

Writer conveys a clear

opinion or
position about the
topic

Writer conveys a
general
opinion or position
about the
topic.

Writer conveys a
limited opinion
or position about the
topic.

Writer conveys li
opinion or
position about the
topic.

Structural
development of an
introduction, body,
and conclusion
is effective.

Structural
development of an
introduction, body,
and
conclusion is
functional.

Structural
development of an
introduction, body,
and
conclusion is limited.

Structural
development of a
introduction, bod
and
conclusion is lack

Writer demonstrates a
strong
Commitment to the
topic. Language is
specific,
precise, varied, and
engaging

Writer demonstrates a
general
commitment to the
topic. Language is
generally specific,
precise, varied, and
engaging

Writer demonstrates
little
commitment to the
topic. Language is
occasionally specific,
precise, varied, and
engaging.

Writer demonstra
limited
Commitment to th
topic. Language i
neither specific,
precise, varied, no
engaging.

Sentences vary in
length and
structure throughout.

Sentences generally
vary in
length or structure.

Sentences
occasionally vary in
length or structure.

Sentences seldom
vary in length
or structure.

Grammar, usage,
punctuation, and
spelling are
consistently correct.

Grammar, usage,
punctuation,
and spelling are
usually correct
and errors do not
distract the
reader.

Grammar, usage,
punctuation,
and spelling errors
may distract
the reader.

Grammar, usage,
punctuation,
and spelling error
throughout
distract the reader