Argumentative Rubric

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INTRODUCTION Well-developed Introduction creates Introduction adequately Background details are a

introduction engages the
Background/History reader and creates interest.
Defining the Problem Contains detailed
Claim Statement background information
and a clear explanation of
15 points the problem. The claim
clearly states a significant
and compelling position.
interest and contains explains the background
background information. of the problem, but may
The claim clearly states a lack clarity. The claim
problem and the writer’s states a problem, but
position is evident. writer’s position may not
be evident.
random collection of
information, are unclear,
and may be loosely
related to the topic.
Claim/position is vague
or not stated.

ARGUMENTATIVE POINTS Well-developed
argumentative points
Body Paragraphs directly support the writer’s
Refutation claim / position. Supporting
Conclusion examples are concrete and
detailed. Commentary is
50 points logical and well-thought-
out. Counter claims
acknowledge opposing
viewpoints clearly and
skillfully. Conclusion re-
visits the claim in a new way
and applies the writer’s
position universally.
Most argumentative More than one
points are related to the argumentative point
thesis, but one may lack lacks sufficient details
sufficient support or and support. Writer
deviates from claim. attempts to address one
Counter claims or more opposing
acknowledge opposing arguments, but the
viewpoint(s) with some writer may not refute
logic and clarity. the opposition clearly or
Conclusion summarizes adequately. Conclusion
the claim and key points mirrors introduction too
with some “fresh” closely, with little or no
commentary present. new commentary on the
writer’s claim / position.
Most argumentative
points are poorly
developed. Counter
claims are missing or
vague. Commentary is
not present. Conclusion
does not re-visit the
claim or summarize key
argumentative point(s).

ORGANIZATION Logical progression of ideas Logical progression of Organization is clear. No discernable

with a clear structure that ideas. Transitions are Transitions are present, organization. Transitions
Structure enhances the present throughout but may not lend to are not present.
Transitions claim. Transitions are essay and provide coherence between and
smooth and provide adequate coherence among ideas.
15 points coherence between and between and among
among ideas. ideas.

STYLE & CONVENTIONS Writing is smooth, skillful,
and coherent. Sentences
Syntax (sentence variety & are strong and expressive
“flow”) with varied structure.
Diction (word choice) Diction is consistent and
Tone words are well-chosen. The
Spelling, punctuation, & tone is highly consistent
capitalization with writer’s position /
claim and appropriate
20 points throughout essay.
Punctuation, spelling, &
capitalization are accurate
with few or no errors.
Writing is clear and Writing is clear, but Writing is confusing and
sentences have some sentences may lack hard to follow. Contains
varied structure. Diction variety. Diction is fragments and/or run-on
is appropriate. Tone is sometimes inconsistent sentences. Diction is
generally consistent with and/or inappropriate at inappropriate and
writer’s position / claim various points in essay. inconsistent throughout
and appropriate Tone may be essay. Tone of piece is
throughout essay. inconsistent with writer’s highly inconsistent with
Punctuation, spelling, & position / claim. Several writer’s position /claim.
capitalization are errors in punctuation, Many errors in
generally accurate, with spelling, & capitalization. punctuation, spelling, &
some errors. capitalization distract
reader.

SOURCES Evidence from sources is
smoothly and logically
Use of sources integrated into essay and
MLA Format serves to add credibility &
Relevance/reliability insight into writer’s position
/ claim. All sources are cited
30 points accurately and are highly
relevant and reliable.
Evidence from source(s) Some source material is
is integrated into the used and may or may not
text. Most sources are lend credibility to
cited accurately and are writer’s position/claim.
generally relevant and Several sources may not
reliable. be cited accurately.
Relevance and reliability
may be questionable.
Few or no source
material is used. Source
citations are not evident
or may be highly
inaccurate. Relevance
and/or reliability are
strongly in question.
 Argumentative Rubric
SPEECH Effectively uses eye contact
to communicate with
Using effective audience. Uses gestures
communication skills confidently and smoothly to
emphasize points. Speech is
20 points clear and pace is
appropriate for audience
recognition of points.
Effectively answers posed
questions in a clear and
coherent manner,
demonstrating complete
understanding of content.
Attire is appropriate for the
occasion.
Skills Effectively utilizes
geographic tools. Fully
empathizes and
Using 21st century skills
understands others’
perspectives.
20 points
Project Total:
170 pts.
Project Checkpoints:
 Chosen Research Topic and Argumentative Points
 Research: Information and Citation of Sources (MLA)
 Outline of Argument
 Introduction
 Body Paragraphs
 Conclusion and Works Cited Page
 Speech/Oral Presentation
Keeps eye contact with Uses some eye contact
audience most of the to communicate with
time. Uses some audience, but mostly
gestures to emphasize reads from notes.
points. Speech is mostly Minimal gestures are
clear and pace is used to emphasize
appropriate for audience points. Speech is hard to
recognition of points. understand because of
Answers to posed organization, pace and
questions are mostly volume. Answers to
clear and demonstrated posed questions are not
understanding of very clear and
content. Attire is understanding of
appropriate for the content is questionable.
occasion. Attire is appropriate for
the occasion.
Utilizes some geographic Tries to utilize
tools. Expresses some geographic tools, but it is
empathy, trying to not done effectively.
understand others’ Attempts at
perspectives. understanding others’
perspectives are vague
and unclear.
Hardly no eye contact or
gestures are used.
Speech is not clear,
because of pace, volume,
and organization. Cannot
answer posed questions
to demonstrate
understanding of
content. Attire is not
appropriate for the
occasion.
Does not utilize
geographic tools and
does not empathize with
others’ perspectives.