Ms. Carver’s Rules List
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Have an arguable thesis statement with a subordinate clause that is grammatically correct. It
should show evidence of critical thinking—analysis and evaluation of an argument
Develop your argument with specificity—examples, illustrations, elaboration, etc.
Agree, disagree, or qualify, but don’t be wishy-washy. Advance your argument from your thesis
statement onward. Remember qualifying receives the highest score because it takes the
complexity of the argument into account.
I claim… because of reason…. Based on evidence.
Introduce… Cite… Explain (for quotes)
Be creative in your argument—don’t say what everyone else is going to say. If you do, you’ll
only get a 5.
Follow the They Say/I Say pattern
Embed voice markers to separate what you say from what others are saying in your text.
Be organized—have transitions and topic sentences. Make your sentences connect to each
other. Use a logical presentation of points. Repeat yourself but with a difference. Use pointing
words (but no free-floating ones).
Have control over both your argument and the language. REVISE AND EDIT—these are the most
important steps. Get rid of sentences that don’t advance your argument or are only tangentially
related to the topic. Fix grammatical and stylistic errors. If a sentence is hard to read aloud,
change it.
Use Cicero’s Rhetorical Moves instead of five paragraphs:
Exordium- background info, the “they say”
Narration- intro/hook
Partition- thesis statement
Confirmation- support with reasons, evidence
Refutation- planting a naysayer
Peroration- conclusion
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Presence/voice/tone—Don’t alienate the reader. Consider your audience and purpose at all
times.
Represent objections fairly when you plant a naysayer—and answer them convincingly.
Have a “so what/who cares factor” either in your introduction or conclusion—establish why
your claim matters and to whom
Remember—you must try to be convincing. If your argument isn’t going to convince the other
side, it isn’t going to score highly!
Use metacommentary—this will help you be explicit in your point and also provide clarity for
your reader. Good communication is clear communication!—Comment on your claims and tell
others how and how not to think about them.