RUBRIC FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
4 3
INTRODUCTION Well-developed introductory
Background/History paragraph contains detailed
Define the Problem background information, a
Thesis Statement clear explanation or
definition of the problem,
and a thesis statement
MAIN POINTS Three or more main points
Body Paragraphs are well developed with
Refutation supporting details.
Refutation paragraph
acknowledges the opposing
view, and summarizes their
main points.
CONCLUSION Conclusion summarizes the
main topics without
repeating previous
sentences; writer’s opinions
and suggestions for change
are logical and well thought
out
WORKS CITED Source material is smoothly
integrated into the text. All
sources are accurately
documented in the desired
format on the Works Cited
page.
MECHANICS Sentence structure is
correct. Punctuation and
capitalization are correct.
2 1 POINTS EARNED
Introductory paragraph Introduction states the Thesis and/or problem is
contains some thesis but does not vague or unclear.
background information adequately explain the Background details are
and states the problem, background of the seemingly random
but does not explain problem. The problem is collection of information,
using details. States the stated, but lacks detail. unclear, or not related to
thesis of the paper. the topic.
Three or more main Three or more main Less than three main
points are present but points, but all lack points, with poor
may lack detail and development. Refutation development of ideas.
development in one or paragraph missing and/or Refutation missing or
two. Refutation vague. vague.
paragraph acknowledges
the opposing view, but
doesn’t summarize
points.
Conclusion summarizes Conclusion summarizes Conclusion does not
main topics. Some main topics, but is adequately summarize
suggestions for change repetitive. No the main points. No
are evident. suggestions for change suggestions for change or
and/ or opinions are opinions are included.
included.
Source material is used. Source material is used, Lacks sources and/or
All sources are accurately but integration may be sources are not
documented, but a few awkward. All sources are accurately documented.
are not in the desired accurately documented Format is incorrect for all
format. but many are not in the sources.
desired format.
Sentence structure is Work contains structural
generally correct. Some weaknesses and
awkward sentences do grammatical errors.
appear. There are one or
two errors in punctuation
and/or capitalization.