Argumentative Essay Rubric

ARGUMENTATIVE RUBRIC	10-9 (Proficient)	8-7 (Mastery)	6-5 (Below Mastery)	4-0 (Novice)
Introduction	~Author employs an effective hook ~Transitions from the hook to general information ~The thesis statement effectively include all necessary components	~Author uses a hook, through it is not interesting ~There are attempts at tranistions, but it is choppy ~The thesis statement includes all necessary components	~ Author attempts to use a hook ~ Ideas are not coherently presented ~The thesis statement lacks necessary components	~There is no hook ~Ideas are not coherently presented ~There thesis statement lacks necessary components
Organization	~Strategically organizes reasons and evidence logically ~~Includes formatting (i.e., topic and conclusion) that enhances the connections.	~Organizes reasons and evidence logically ~Includes basic formatting (i.e., topic sentences) to aid in comprehension	~Organizes the reasons and evidence clearly ~Includes basic formatting (i.e., topic sentences) to aid in comprehension	~Limited or no organizing of reasons or evidence ~Unclear or illogical reasoning ~Basic formatting may be missing (i.e., topic sentences)
Support	~Thoroughly supports claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible,cited sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text ~Throughly presents and refutes the opposing point-of-view	~Supports claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text ~Presents and refutes the opposing point-of-view	~Superficially support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text ~SuperficiallyPresents and refutes the opposing point-of-view	~Fails to develop and/or support claim(s) ~Fails to address the opposing view
Conclusion	~Provides a meaningful and reflective conclusion that supports the argument presented by  rewording the thesis ~Closing statement returns to attention getter or wraps essay successfully	~Supports the argument presented by  rewording the thesis ~Closing statement returns to attention getter or wraps essay successfully	~The main ideas are copied almost word for word from the introduction ~May be missing a closing statement	~Main ideas are not stated ~Essay ends abruptly
Format/ Conventions	~Purposefully uses a variety of sentence structures ~Demonstrates grade appropriate grammar understading with minimal to no errors ~Utilizes a precise and sophisticated word choice ~Uses active verbs; avoids passive verbs	~Uses varied sentence structures ~Demonstrates grade level appropriate conventions; errors are minor and do not obscure meaning ~Utilizes grade-level appropriate word choice ~Uses active verbs; utlizes passive verbs at times	~Uses correct and varied sentence structures ~Demonstrates grade level appropriate conventions; many minor errors but meaning is not obscured ~Utilizes appropriate word choice ~Demonstrates no understanding of passive and active voice verbs	~Does not demonstrate sentence mastery ~Demonstrates a limited understanding of grade level appropriate conventions and errors interfere with the meaning ~Utilizes incorrect and/or simplistic word choice ~ Demonstrates no understanding of passive and active voice verbs