Argument Writing - Rubric

Standard
Claim(s)

Counterclaim(s)

Organization and
Transitions

Evidence and
Depth of
Understanding

Conclusion

4
Takes a clear,
defensible position and
states it clearly and
precisely.
Acknowledges and
responds to different
viewpoints in relation to
own view
Uses a logical structure
that reflects a clear
train of thought. All the
parts of the writing fit
together and keep a
clear relationship
between claims,
reasons, and evidence.
The body paragraphs
logically and effectively
support the thesis and
main arguments with
specific and credible
details and examples.
Uses an effective
conclusion. The
conclusion reinforces
the information or
explanation presented
and leaves the reader
something to think
about.

3
Takes a position and
states it clearly.

2
Takes a position, but
does not state it clearly.

1
Position is unstated.

Acknowledges different
viewpoint(s), but only
makes a vague
reference to it/them.
Uses a logical structure
but loses the train of
thought in some spots.
One or two parts can be
moved around,
expanded on, or
eliminated to better
link claims, reasons,
and evidence.
The body paragraphs
logically support the
thesis and main
argument with specific
details and some
examples.
Uses an appropriate
conclusion. The
conclusion follows from
the information
presented and ties
important ideas
together.

Makes vague reference

to different viewpoints.

Does not acknowledge

different viewpoints.

Attempts to organize
the writing, but the
writers thoughts are
difficult to follow and
claims, reasons, and
evidence do not always
align.

Has little or no sense of

order; thinking is
random and claims,
reasons, and evidence
do not connect to each
other.

The body paragraphs

may support the thesis
and main arguments
with limited (if any)
details and/or
examples.
Uses a predictable or
formulaic conclusion.
The conclusion
summarizes key ideas
as a way to tie
important ideas
together.

The body paragraphs

fail to support the
thesis and arguments
with details and/or
examples.
The ending leaves the
writing feeling
unfinished. The
conclusion does not tie
ideas together.