Argument Rubric of ________________________ TOPIC ___________ Peer Editor Initials/Date: #1____________ #2 __________ #3 _________

CLAIM STATEMENT: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Choose an argumentative topic, target an audience and develop your claim; research the topic using credible sources, organize and then write an argument that addresses the counter claim and
include a call to action. The argument should include enough information to cause a change in the oppositions thinking. Signal phrases to introduce research, transitions, and bibliography should
be included. You will also GIVE either a speech or a TEDTALK or develop a video editorial in conjunction with this task.
Emerging
Ideas
Claim

Progressing

Proficient

Exemplary/ Exceeds

Claim is not stated

Claim is evident but is unclear or poorly

stated

Introduces claim in a clear and precise

manner

Introduces a significant and/or thought-provoking

claim in a clear and precise manner

Claim is not supported with

logical reasoning and relevant
evidence OR information is
severely lacking.

Claim is supported with some logical

reasoning and relevant evidence but
support is insufficient or is not based on
sound reasoning.

Supports claim with logical reasoning and

relevant, complete evidence, using accurate
and credible sources which demonstrates an
understanding of the topic

Supports claim with logical reasoning and

relevant, complete evidence, using accurate and
credible sources which demonstrate a deep
understanding of the topic

Sources are questionable,

outdated or irrelevant

Some accurate, credible sources are

cited but some are questionable.

Most evidence is cited using signal phrases

or in-text citations.

All evidence is cited using signal phrases or in-text

citations.

Counterclaim

Alternate or opposing claims are

not addressed

Alternate or opposing claims are

acknowledged but are not addressed in
effective manner

Acknowledges alternate or opposing claims

in an effective manner.

Acknowledges alternate or opposing claims in a

thoughtful way. Rebuttal to the counterclaim is
included which strengthens the writers
argument

Conclusion

Conclusion is not included.

A conclusion is included but is repetitive

or ineffective. Call to action is minimal
or not present.

Provide a concluding paragraph that follows

from and supports the argument presented.
Call to action is evident.

Organization

Writing lacks a clear sense of

direction

An attempt to organize evidence is

obvious but the argument is hard to
follow in some places

Organizes the reasons and evidence logically

Provides a thought-provoking concluding

statement or section that follows from and
supports the argument presented. Call to action
is compelling.
Organizes the reasons and evidence logically in a
manner that strengthens the writers argument.

Transitions are lacking or are

ineffective

Some transitions are repetitive or

ineffective

Uses words, phrases, and clauses to create

cohesion and clarify the relationships among
claim, reasons, and evidence.

Uses a variety of words, phrases, and clauses to

create cohesion and clarify the relationships
among claim, reasons, and evidence.

Style

Style is not appropriate for

genre.

An attempt has been made to maintain a

formal style but tone is inconsistent in
places

Establishes and maintains a formal style.

Establishes and maintains a formal style.

Style adds to the overall strength of the argument

Conventions

Argument is hard to read due to

many errors in spelling,
capitalization, and/ or end
punctuation.

Several run-ons and/or several spelling,

capitalization, and/or end punctuation
errors. (Readability may be affected)

Uses complete sentences with only minor

errors in spelling, capitalization and end
punctuation. (Readability is not affected.)

Uses complete sentences that vary in structure

with almost no errors in spelling, capitalization
and end punctuation.

Supporting
evidence

Argument Rubric of ________________________ TOPIC ___________ Peer Editor Initials/Date: #1____________ #2 __________ #3 _________
CLAIM STATEMENT: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________