Ciasullo, Eng Comp 101
Name: __________________________
Evaluation Form: Argument Essay
1. Title, Introductory Paragraph, and Thesis
_____ Opens essay with title that is appropriate and interesting
_____ “Hooks” reader, establishes a frame of reference
_____ Leads into the topic, briefly explaining why chosen topic is controversial
_____ Specifies the topic and purpose of the essay; presents thesis
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x 1 = _______
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x 1 = _______
2. Thesis
_____ Clearly makes a claim about the chosen topic
_____ Is narrow, specific, and arguable
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3. Paragraph Focus, Coherence, and Development
_____ Offers adequate background on the topic, if necessary/appropriate
_____ Adequately and effectively supports the thesis/claim
_____ Crafts strong topic sentences and concluding sentences
_____ Presents ideas within paragraphs in an orderly manner, using transitions to show the relationship between ideas
_____ Organizes body paragraphs in a logical, purposeful manner
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x 4 = _______
4. Counterarguments
_____ Acknowledges and addresses significant opposing viewpoints
_____ Conveys an awareness of audience and the complexity of the issue; avoids logical fallacies
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5. Conclusion
_____ Wraps up without repeating the thesis
_____ Answers the question, “Why do you want me to learn from this?”
_____ Packs a punch, ends with a sense of closure
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6. Using and Crediting Sources
_____ Incorporates required number of sources (3)
_____ Quotes are relevant and integrated effectively into your argument
_____ Quotes are cited accurately and properly using MLA Citation
_____ Works Cited page is properly formatted and includes all cited sources
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7. Sentence Structure, Punctuation, and Spelling
_____ Avoids sentence fragments, comma splices, and run-on sentences
_____ Writes in a clear, clean prose; avoids awkward or confusing sentence structures
_____ Writes with sentence sophistication; varies wording and sentence structure
_____ Writes with minimal typos and/or proofreading errors
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Total points for this essay (out of 100):
_______ / 2 =