Argumentative Essay Rubric

Category
Works Cited Page

3 Not There Yet

The author follows few to
no MLA guidelines for
formatting a novel in a
works cited page
Formatting/Citations Few to no MLA
guidelines have been
followed for formatting an
essay.
Intro/Conclusion

If present, both were

minimal.

Background

Little to no background
information is give.

Focus

Your writing did not

maintain a focus on the
issue. Try to plan your
essay before you write.

Support of Argument The essay provided very

little writing about your
ideas. Try to write more
about the topic.

4 Almost There
The author follows
some MLA guidelines
for formatting a novel in
a works cited page
The author follows
some of the MLA
guidelines for
formatting the body of
an essay.
Both were somewhat
clear or underdeveloped.

Background information
is given, but it lacks
purpose.
Your essay focused on
the general topic rather
than on the specific
issue in the prompt.
The essay used some
specific details, reasons,
and examples, but it
needed more of them or
a larger variety of
reasons or details.

5 Proficient
The author follows most
MLA guidelines for
formatting a novel in a
works cited page
The author follows most
MLA guidelines for
formatting the body of
an essay.

6 Mastery
The author follows all
MLA guidelines for
formatting a novel in a
works cited page
The author follows all
MLA guidelines for
formatting the body of
an essay.

Both were written clearly Both were written

stating the authors thesis clearly and effectively
statement
stating the authors
argument/thesis
statement
Background information Background
provided is adequate and information is clear
effective.
and effective.
Your essay maintained
Your essay maintained
focus on the specific
a clear focus on the
issue in the prompt.
specific
issue in the prompt.
The essay adequately
supported general
statements with specific
reasons, examples, and
details.

The essay effectively

supported general
statements with
specific reasons,
examples, and
details.

Counterargument

Grammar,
Punctuation,
Spelling, and
Transitions

Little to no
counterarguments are
provided.

Counterarguments are
provided but
underdeveloped.

Counterarguments are
provided and developed.

Grammar, spelling, and

punctuation errors were
distracting. Proofread your
writing.

Using correct grammar

and more varied
sentence structures
would improve your
essay.

Using more sentence

variety and precise word
choice would make your
essay clearer and more
engaging.

Counterarguments are
provided, clearly
developed, and
refuted.
The essay showed a
good command of
language by using
varied sentences,
smooth transitions,
and precise word
choice.