EA 2.

2 Writing an Argumentative Essay Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Scoring Exemplary Proficient Emerging Insufficient

Criteria

Introduction Leads with an engaging
W.7.1a introduction that hooks the
50 pts reader, provides information on
the issue, presents a thesis which
includes a claim and two main
reasons why the claim is arguably
true.
Provides information on the
issue, and presents a thesis
which includes a claim and two
main reasons why the claim is
arguably true.
Presents a thesis which includes Claim is missing.
a claim that is vague and
missing one or more main
reasons.

Body Body paragraphs align to claim. Body paragraphs align to claim. Body paragraphs vaguely relate Body paragraphs do not relate
W.7.1a, W.7.1b to claim but does not to claim.
Each body paragraph begins with Each body paragraph includes specifically address points
a topic sentence that includes one one of the two main reasons stated in thesis. Body paragraphs do not include
Reason of the two main reasons addressed why the argument is true. evidence.
1&2 in the thesis. Attempts to include evidence.
150 pts Includes relevant evidence to
Includes relevant evidence to support reasoning in
support reasoning in connection connection with the claim.
with the claim​ with student
commentary.

Counterclaim Points out the strengths and Acknowledges alternate or Acknowledges alternate or Does not address or mention
W.7.1a limitations of the counterclaim. opposing claim and provides a opposing claim. Does NOT alternate or opposing claims.
100 pts with relevant evidence to support rebuttal. provide rebuttal.
reasoning

Conclusion Restates the claim, defends why Restates the claim, defends Restates the claim. Does NOT restate the claim.
W.7.1e the claim is important, and tells why the claim is important
50 pts reader how they can get involved.

Transitions Uses meaningful compare and Uses appropriate transitions Uses transitions between some Transitions are not used.
W.7.1c contrast transitions to create between paragraphs. paragraphs.
50 pts cohesion and direct readers
towards agreement with your
claim
 Scoring Exemplary Proficient Emerging Insufficient
Criteria

Citing All sources are properly cited Most sources were cited within Attempted to cite sources Sources are not cited.
W.7.1b, W.7.8 within body paragraphs and at the body paragraphs and at the end within body paragraphs and at
50 pts end of the essay. of the essay. the end of the essay, but did so
incorrectly.
All sources are accurate and All sources are accurate and
credible. credible. Sources are inaccurate or not
credible.

Use of Establishes and maintains a style
Language of writing
W.7.1d
50 pts Uses more than one rhetorical
device (rhetorical question,
parallel structure, or repetition) to
engage the reader
Demonstrates command of the
conventions of standard English.
Establishes and mostly
maintains a style of writing.
Uses one rhetorical device
(rhetorical question, parallel
structure, or repetition) to
engage the reader.
Demonstrates general
command of conventions;
minor error do not interfere
with meaning.
Establishes an informal style of Fails to maintain a style of
writing inappropriate for the writing.
assignment.
Uses no rhetorical devices.
Attempts to use rhetorical
devices. Does not demonstrate command
of the conventions of standard
English.
Demonstrates limited
command of conventions.
Errors interfere with meaning.

Celebrations! The introduction caught my attention. Great start. Your body

(+) paragraphs connected to your thesis. You included two pieces of
You were amazing. Pat yourself on evidence per paragraph and the evidence was well selected. Your
the back, champ!
commentary proves that you believe in what you are arguing
about. You acknowledge the opposing side of the argument. This
essay was well done. 400 /500
Improvements! To earn a higher score work on revising your rebuttal
(▵) as you copy/pasted your introduction in that section.
You were amazing. However, how
can you improve?