Name: ________________________________________ Block: ___________
Justinian and Theodora Argumentative Essay
DIRECTIONS: Write a five-paragraph essay using the resources provided to you in class (readings, “Research and Writing Class Notes Packet,”
outline, textbook). You must also evaluate, use, and cite at least ONE additional outside source of your choice. You should use the rubric to guide you
as you write, and also as a final checklist. Your essay should answer the following question in your introduction and conclusion:
Who was more historically significant- Justinian or Theodora?
Introduction
Thesis
Statement
(last sentence of
introduction)
Body
Paragraph 1
Arguments/
Evidence
Body
Paragraph 2
Arguments/
Evidence
5
-Clearly puts the topic in
historical context (clearly defines
Justinian and Theodora and their
place in history)
4
-Puts the topic in some
historical context
3
-Includes some historical
context, but it is vague,
irrelevant, and/or inaccurate
2
-No historical context or
completely irrelevant and
inaccurate information
1/0
-No historical context
-Introduction ends with a wellwritten, one-sentence thesis that
fully includes all 3 parts (counterposition, position, 3 supporting
arguments)
-Introduction ends with a
thesis that includes all 3
parts, and is one sentence
-Introduction ends with a thesis,
but it is missing 1 part and/or
thesis is more than one sentence
-Thesis is missing 2 parts
and/or thesis is more than 1
sentence, and/or thesis is in the
wrong place
-No thesis
-Each body paragraph includes 1
distinct, well-developed argument
-Each argument is clearly
articulated & supported by 3
pieces of specific evidence
-Topic/conclusion sentences
clearly tie argument back to the
thesis statement
-No factual errors
- Each body paragraph
includes 1 argument; each
argument is distinct from one
another
-Each argument is supported
by 2-3 pieces of evidence
-Topic/conclusion sentences
tie argument back to thesis
statement
-Minor factual errors
-Each body paragraph includes
1 argument, but these
arguments are not distinct or
well-developed
-Some arguments are supported
by fewer than 2 pieces of
evidence
-Some topic/conclusion
sentences do not tie argument
back to thesis statement
-Several factual errors
-Arguments are unclear
-Most arguments are not
supported by evidence.
-Topic/conclusion sentences
not included or do not tie
argument back to thesis
statement
-Many factual errors
Did not follow
directions, include
arguments, or include
evidence.
-Each body paragraph includes 1
distinct, well-developed argument
-Each argument is clearly
articulated & supported by 3
pieces of specific evidence
-Topic/conclusion sentences
clearly tie argument back to the
thesis statement
-No factual errors
- Each body paragraph
includes 1 distinct argument;
-Each argument is supported
by 2-3 pieces of evidence
-Topic/conclusion sentences
tie argument back to thesis
statement
-Minor factual errors
-Each body paragraph includes
1 argument, but these
arguments are not distinct or
well-developed
-Some arguments are supported
by fewer than 2 pieces of
evidence
-Some topic/conclusion
sentences do not tie argument
back to thesis statement
- Several factual errors
--Arguments are unclear
-Most arguments are not
supported by evidence.
-Topic/conclusions sentences
not included or do not tie
argument back to thesis
statement
-Many factual errors
Did not follow
directions, include
arguments, or include
evidence.
Body
Paragraph 3
Arguments/
Evidence
Conclusion
Academic
Formatting
Requirements
Spelling and
Mechanics
(conventions)
Works Cited
(last page of
your essay)
-Each body paragraph includes 1
distinct, well-developed argument
-Each argument is clearly
articulated & supported by 3
pieces of specific evidence
-Topic/conclusion sentences
clearly tie argument back to the
thesis statement
-No factual errors
- Each body paragraph
includes 1 argument; each
argument is distinct from one
another
-Each argument is supported
by 2-3 pieces of evidence
-Topic/conclusion sentences
tie argument back to thesis
statement
-Minor factual errors
-Each body paragraph includes
1 argument, but these
arguments are not distinct or
well-developed
-Some arguments are supported
by fewer than 2 pieces of
evidence
-Some topic/conclusion
sentences do not tie argument
back to thesis statement
-Several factual errors
--Arguments are unclear
-Most arguments are not
supported by evidence.
-Topic/conclusions sentences
not included or do not tie
argument back to thesis
statement
-Many factual errors
Did not follow
directions, include
arguments, or include
evidence.
-The conclusion is strong and
leaves the reader with a clear
understanding of the writer’s
position.
-Fully meets following
requirements:
-Begins with rewording the thesis
-Highlights main points to
support the argument
-Ends with a closing sentence.
-1 inch margins
-12 point,Times New Roman font
-Double spaced, proper spacing
-Full standard heading
-Title
-The conclusion leaves the
reader understanding the
writer’s position.
-Requirements are met
-The conclusion leaves the
readers with a vague
understanding of the writer’s
position.
-It is missing 1 required
element
-The conclusion is weak, and is
missing 2 required elements
-The conclusion is
missing all 3 required
elements
1 requirement is missing
2 requirements are missing
3 requirements are missing
4 requirements are
missing
-Uses formal language & style
(including past tense) throughout
-No ‘first person’ statements
-No spelling, punctuation,
grammar or other errors
-Minimal errors of formal
language (including past
tense)
-Minimal spelling,
punctuation, grammar or
other errors
-Some errors of formal
language (including past tense)
-Some spelling, punctuation,
grammar or other errors
-Some awkward / unclear
sentence or phrases
-Cites at least 1 provided reading
-Cites 1 reliable outside source
-Citations are full/properly done
-Citations in alphabetical order
-Page is formatted correctly
1 requirement is missing
2 requirements are missing
-Consistent errors of formal
language (including past tense)
-Consistent spelling,
punctuation, grammar or other
errors
-Many awkward / unclear
sentence or phrases
3 requirements are missing
-Excessive errors of
formal language
(including past tense)
-Excessive spelling,
punctuation,
grammar or other
errors
4 requirements are
missing
*Be sure to pass in this RUBRIC and your completed OUTLINE with your essay for full credit
*Staple & Assemble in order (prior to coming to class): 1.Essay 2.Works Cited 3.Outline 4.Rubric
Total Points________________
Final Grade________________