Argumentative Writing Rubric
Score 4 3
Highly Proficient
Format I consistently follow MLA format.
RL.10.1 My paper contains proper in text
citations with a works cited page.
Introductory I independently formulate an
Paragraph introduction that has an effective
W.10.1 hook, background information, and an
arguable thesis statement with
exceptional depth and insight.
I independently articulate a precise,
insightful, and nuanced argument.
Supporting I cite relevant, accurate, and thorough
Body evidence from at least four sources to
Paragraphs support my thesis.
W.10.1 I clearly and thoroughly explain how
RL.10.1 the evidence supports my claim.
I develop claims and counterclaim(s)
in depth, providing evidence for each
and evaluating the strengths and
limitations of the evidence.
Proficient
I follow MLA format with few
errors.
My paper contains proper in
text citations with a works cited
page.
My introduction has a hook,
background information, and
arguable thesis statement.
I articulate a strong and relevant
argument.
I cite mostly relevant, accurate,
and fairly thorough evidence to support my thesis, and it may
support my thesis.
I clearly explain how the
evidence supports my claim.
I develop claims and
counterclaim(s), providing
evidence for each. I do some
evaluation of the strengths and
limitations of the evidence.
2 1
Close to Proficient Developing Proficiency
I attempt to follow MLA MLA format is not followed.
format.
Introduction has basic I do not articulate a position or
background information but defend a thesis statement/claim
may contain unnecessary in my introduction, or my thesis
summary. statement is not an argument.
My claim is unclear, lacks
depth, or is more accepted fact
than argument.
Argument may be cliche or lack
depth or clarity.
I cite minimal evidence to I cite minimal evidence to
support my thesis, and it may
not be relevant or accurate, or it not be relevant or accurate, or it
may lack detail. may lack detail.
I attempt to explain how the If I attempt to explain how the
evidence supports my claim, but evidence supports my claim, my
connections fall short or lack arguments are underdeveloped,
depth. fall short, or lack depth.
Some of my claims and/or I do not effectively evaluate
counterclaim(s) lack evidence for strengths and
development. limitations.
I do not effectively evaluate My argument is missing
evidence for strengths and essential components.
limitations.
Conclusion I develop a strong conclusion that
W 10.1 echoes my thesis statement without
restating the same words and makes
clear why my argument is important
or relevant.
Conventions I demonstrate a mastery of the
L.10.1 conventions of standard English in
capitalization, punctuation, and
spelling.
Few to no errors.
Word Choice Throughout my essay, I use engaging
W.10.1 and precise word choice, as well as an
appropriate academic and professional
tone for formal argumentative writing.
Score:__________________________
I develop a conclusion that I develop a conclusion that My conclusion is missing or
echoes my thesis statement echoes my thesis statement but significantly underdeveloped.
without restating in the same may lack depth and does not
words, and explains why my emphasize the importance of the
argument is important. argument.
I demonstrate command of the I demonstrate some command I am not yet able to demonstrate
conventions of standard English of the conventions of standard command of the conventions of
in capitalization, punctuation, English capitalization, standard English in
and spelling, with few errors punctuation, and spelling, with capitalization, punctuation,and
that do not impede readability errors that may begin to impede spelling. My writing has
of essay. readability of essay. numerous errors.
Very minimal errors do not Errors begin to impede Errors impede readability.
impede readability. readability.
Throughout my essay, I use My essay contains some My essay does not apply
precise word choice, as well as colloquial or informal language. academic or professional tone.
an appropriate academic and
professional tone.