Student: ______________________________
English II Persuasive Writing
Organization and Progression
(Position/Flows Smoothly
Structure of essay is clearly appropriate to the prompt
Organizational strategies are well suited
Clear position, making the essay unified and coherent
Progression of ideas is logical/coherent
Structure of essay, for the most part, is appropriate to the prompt
Organizational strategies are adequately suited
Clear position is established and most ideas are related
Progression of ideas is generally logical and controlled
Structure of essay is evident, but may not be appropriate to the prompt
Organizational strategies are only somewhat suited
Position is weak or unclear or inclusion of irrelevant information interferes
Progression of ideas is not always logical and controlled
Repetition or wordiness disrupts the flow of the essay
Structure of essay is inappropriate to the prompt
Organizational strategies are marginally suited
Writer’s position is missing, unclear, or illogical
Progression of ideas is weak; lack of transitions causes ideas to be presented in an illogical way
Development of Ideas
(Reasons and Evidence)
Development of ideas is effective/engaging
Argument is forceful/convincing due to reasons and evidence
Recognizes the complexities of issue; considers opposing or different points of view
Demonstrates thorough understanding of the task
Development of ideas is sufficient
Argument is largely convincing because reasons and evidence are specific and appropriate
Essay reflects some thoughtfulness with a limited understanding of the task
Development of ideas is minimal
Argument is superficial/unconvincing because reasons and evidence are not always appropriate
Essay reflects little thoughtfulness with a limited understanding of the task
Development of ideas is weak
Argument is ineffective/unconvincing because reasons and evidence are inappropriate, vague, or
insufficient
Essay lacks understanding of the task
Use of Language
(Conventions and Grammar)
Word choice is purposeful and precise
Keen awareness of persuasive purpose and tone
Sentences varied and well-controlled
Command of language and conventions is evident, with only minor errors
Strength of conventions contributes effectiveness
Word choice, for the most part, is clear and specific
Awareness of persuasive purpose and tone
Sentences are varied and adequately controlled
Adequate command of language and conventions is evident
Some errors that only create a few disruptions in the essay
Word choice may be general or imprecise
Reflects basic awareness of persuasive purpose, but does little to establish tone
Sentences are awkward or only somewhat controlled
Partial command of language and conventions
Some distracting errors create minor disruptions in the essay
Word choice may be vague or limited
Reflects little or no awareness of persuasive purpose and does not establish an appropriate tone
Sentences are simplistic and uncontrolled, limiting the effectiveness
Serious errors create disruptions in the essay
4
3
2
1
Points
Grade
3
60
4
66
5
70
6
73
7
76
8
82
9
86
10
88
11
94
12
96
Notes
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1