Persuasive Essay Rubric 

1. Introduction paragraph components:

a. In the lead sentence, show your ​your SAT reader you know​ your task will be
reading a Persuasive essay and identifying persuasive devices. Include the key
words “​writes a persuasive essay​” and “​builds an argument​” in your lead
statement to show mastery.
b. Next, briefly summarize your SAT sample’s central idea and identify the author’s
stance on an issue. Cite the author’s name when summarizing.
c. Next, Write a thesis statement stating that the author has taken a position on a
topic and is building their argument using several persuasive devices.
2. Body Paragraphs​​:​ ​Introduce a persuasive device; tell your reader what it is and why it
is important; cite an example from the provided literature, and write a concluding
sentence.
a. Your topic sentence should first:
Start with a transition (the first, second, however, i.e); include the key phrase
“builds an argument,” and finally include a persuasive device.
(i.e. ​The first​ persuasive device Docterman uses to ​build her argument ​is​ data​.)
b. Second... explain ​what the persuasive device is you chose is and why it is
important​. (How can it be used to persuade an audience)
c. Third, demonstrate command of evidence by citing an example of the specific
persuasive device you found in the essay and tell us how the author used it. Use
details and examples to back your point.
i. Introduce your citation with the key phrase “In paragraph...” to allow the
SAT reader to locate your chosen persuasive device. (i.e.​ In paragraph
number 2, Docterman alludes to the firm Grunwald Associates, to
back her claim that with an allusion that…​​)
d. Finish your body paragraph with a conclusion sentence.

3. Body Paragraph 2- Repeat process above but choose a different persuasive

device.

4. Body Paragraph 3- Repeat process above but choose a different persuasive device.

5. Conclusion Paragraph:
- ​Restate the main idea
- Propose a rhetorical question to ponder future research
- Answer you rhetorical question with a statement of finality