10TH GRADE ARGUMENTATIVE RUBRIC 

 
CHECK 
CRITERIA  OFF 
COMMENTS 

Adequate sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and spelling.  

C
O Develops a counterclaim that presents the opposing view using credible sources.  
N  
T
Addresses the claim and counterclaim effectively, supplying evidence for both,
E while clarifying the strengths and limitations.
N The tone of the argument is mostly formal and objective  
T There’s a logical progression of ideas and strong connections among them  
E HOOK: interesting opening sentence that grabs reader’s attention  
V
I
Introduction Background: 2-3 sentences introducing the text, author, and title  
D  
THESIS/CLAIM: addresses prompt & positions several reasons
E
N TS: strong topic sentence that supports the thesis  
C  
Body 1 E: evidence, quote, or paraphrase that supports the TS
E
- A: analysis of evidence is well-elaborated & ties back to thesis  
E
L TS: strong topic sentence that supports the thesis  
A E: evidence, quote, or paraphrase that supports the TS  
B
Body 2
O A: analysis of evidence is well-elaborated & ties back to thesis  
R TS: strong topic sentence that supports the thesis  
A  
Body 3 E: evidence, quote, or paraphrase that supports the TS
T
I A: analysis of evidence is well-elaborated & ties back to thesis  
O Conclusion Restates thesis and main ideas & explains the relevance , 
N
THESIS/CLAIM➔ includes three main points that will be the reasons that  
support the thesis on paragraphs 2, 3, and 4.
Example: Smoking should be illegal because poses physical1, emotional2, and social3
problems to both smokers and second-hand smokers.
C 5-10 transition words (however, also, in addition, on the other hand, moreover, as a  
O result, furthermore, contrary to, consequently, besides, additionally, therefore, etc.)
N  
Quotations are properly embedded and cited
V
E 5 Paragraphs or more  
N 5 or more sentences per paragraph  
T
Double-spaced  
I
O Indented Paragraphs  
N No lazy language (stuff, well, cool, kind of, a lot, pretty, nice, thing, etc.)  
S
Font (no smaller or bigger than 12 Times New Roman)  
Original Title (no titles such as Essay, Pollution, My Life, etc…)  
Name, Period, Date  
Typed or blue/black pen  
F NOTHING/ Less than 400 words