Rubric in Opinion Writing

Criteria 4 3 2 1
It has a strong It has a strong It has an It lacks an
introduction and introduction and introduction or a introduction or
Introduction conclusion with an conclusion with an conclusion with conclusion with an
/ Conclusion opinion—group ideas opinion—group an opinion that opinion. Ideas do
into at least three well- ideas into at least uses at least not flow
with Opinion formed paragraphs three well-formed three throughout
Format using transitional words paragraphs. paragraphs. Most paragraphs and
and statements. ideas flow do not contain at
throughout least three
paragraphs. paragraphs.

Clearly states reasons Clearly states Somewhat states It does not state
that are easy to identify reasons that are a reason(s) that any reasons that
and it is well written. easy to identify. It is easy to are easy to
Follows their opinion follows their identify. It follows identify. It does
throughout the essay opinion throughout most of there not follow their
Reasons without wavering. the essay. opinions opinion throughout
throughout most the essay.
of the essay.

Uses specific evidence Uses specific Uses available Nice try.

to support the opinion evidence to evidence from
and explain thinking. support the the text(s) to Uses no or very
Uses factual information opinion and support the little general
Evidence
to support opinion explain thinking. opinion and evidence from the
or further. explain thinking. text(s) to support
Examples It can be from the the opinion and
writer’s mind, not explain thinking.
factual evidence.

Little or no errors occur Some errors occur Many errors Many errors occur
in spelling, punctuation, in spelling, occur in spelling, in spelling,
and grammar, but they punctuation, and punctuation, and punctuation, and
Mechanics do not interfere with grammar, but they grammar that grammar, which
meaning.  do not interfere somewhat significantly
or Uses precise language with meaning. interfere with interfere with
Grammar and linking words to Uses some meaning. Uses meaning. Uses
connect ideas. precise language few precise little to no precise
and linking words languages and language and
to connect ideas. linking words to linking words to
connect ideas. connect ideas.

Total Score: ______________________