Name ____________________________________ Date _______________ Period _________________

Persuasive Essay Grading Rubric

CONTENT
Introduction
(4-8 sentences)
1 pt
Claim
(1 sentence
ONLY)
1 pts
Reasons
2 pts
Counterclaims
1 pt
Explanations

3 pts
Citation
(Min. 1)
1 pt
Conclusion
(4-8+
sentences)
1 pt

1
Far Below Expectations
Missing OR off topic

2
Below Expectations
Introduces readers to the
topic of mass/school
shootings.

3
Meets Expectations
everything here PLUS:
Explains why it is a problem
that we should be concerned
about.

Missing OR off topic

Is more than one sentence

long, tries to argue more than
one point, or is a statement of
fact (not arguable)

0-1 reasons given. Off topic

or contradict the Claim
0 counterclaims given or
explained. Off topic or do not
show an opposing viewpoint

2 reasons given.
Reasons do not make much
logical sense
1 counterclaim given and
explained, but is not rebutted
(disproved)

One, clearly written sentence

that makes logical sense.
Is arguable (somebody could
disagree and try to argue
against you)
3 reasons given.
Reasons make logical sense

0-1 given for each reason (02 total)

1 given for each reason (3-5

total).

2 given for each reason (6

total).

Is not entirely clear or logical

Makes logical sense and

supports the reason

0 quotes or citations

Missing OR off topic

1 quote, but not properly

cited.

Restates claim or
summarizes some reasons,
but not both. Not very clear or
logical

2 counterclaims given and

explained. Counterclaims are
both rebutted (disproved)

1 quote AND citation at the

end of the sentence in ( )s
(author, title).
Restates claim and
summarizes all reasons.
Clearly written and makes
logical sense

4
Exceeds Expectations
everything here PLUS:
Includes one or both Counterclaims (and lets listeners
know that these ideas are not
true)
everything here PLUS:
Is an original idea you clearly
developed on your own
(beyond any answer I gave
you in class.)
Additional reasons included
(4+) that all make logical
sense
everything here PLUS:
Additional support AGAINST
the counterclaims are given to
strengthen the original
argument
everything here PLUS:
Additional reasons included
(7+ total).
Very insightful and well
written
Multiple quotes with proper
citations.
Multiple sources listed in a
works cited page
everything here PLUS:
Includes a call to action (tells
listeners what they
can/should do now)