ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING
Writing Rubric Checklist:
1. Paragraph contains a strong purpose statement that:
(__/10 pts)
 Introduces main idea/topic of paragraph
 Contains a main idea/topic that is true to the text (accurate!)
 Is clear and concise
 Includes title and author
2.
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Paragraph contains well-chosen evidence to support claims:
(__/30 pts)
2-3 relevant supporting quotes provided
Quotes used require inferential analysis
Context provided prior to quotes
Transitions between evidence
Quotes are properly embedded
Properly formatted citation included


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Developed analysis of selected evidence:
(__/40 pts)
Analysis connects back to purpose statement/main idea
Writer explains quote in support of main idea
Analysis is roughly twice as long as evidence
3.
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4.
Strong concluding statement/clincher that summarizes the claims
made in the paragraph: (__/10 pts)

Summarizes main ideas of paragraph in a new and interesting
way
____

Ties back to purpose statement
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Attention to grammar and mechanics
(__/8 pts)
Proper punctuation, spelling, and capitalization
Maintain present tense
No personal pronouns (I, you, we, us)
5.
6.
Typed (size 12 font) and double-spaced
(__/2 pts)
Total: ___/100
COMMENTS:
____
ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING
Writing Rubric Checklist:
1. Paragraph contains a strong purpose statement that:




Introduces main idea/topic of paragraph
Contains a main idea/topic that is true to the text (accurate!)
Is clear and concise
Includes title and author






Paragraph contains well-chosen evidence to support claims:
2-3 relevant supporting quotes provided
Quotes used require inferential analysis
Context provided prior to quotes
Transitions between evidence
Quotes are properly embedded
Properly formatted citation included
____
____
____
____
____
____



Developed analysis of selected evidence:
Analysis connects back to purpose statement/main idea
Writer explains quote in support of main idea
Analysis is roughly twice as long as evidence
____
____
____
2.
3.
4.
Strong concluding statement/clincher that summarizes the claims
made in the paragraph:

Summarizes main ideas of paragraph in a new and interesting
way
____

Ties back to purpose statement
____
____



Attention to grammar and mechanics
Proper punctuation, spelling, and capitalization
Maintain present tense
No personal pronouns (I, you, we, us)
Typed (size 12 font) and double-spaced
____
5.
6.
____
____
____
____
COMMENTS:
Writing Rubric – Key Words Defined:
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Thesis: how the argument is presented to the reader; the main point of
your argument articulated in a single sentence.
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Central Idea: the main idea in a piece of writing that is revealed over the
course of your essay/writing assignment. NOTE: The central idea is the
“concept” of your writing assignments; the thesis is the central idea expressed in
a single statement .

Claim: a point about a topic that supports your thesis; the assertion as
something as true.
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Argument: A stance or position on a topic; claim + how or why?

How or why?: a preview of your evidence and analysis.
Developing: A bleak mood is developed in Guy de
Maupassant’s “The Necklace."
Proficient: A bleak mood is developed in Guy de Maupassant’s
“The Necklace” because of the word choice.
Exemplary: The uninviting word choice and hopeless imagery in
Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” creates a bleak mood.

Useful Context: details with a purpose with your claim in mind; necessary
background information from the text.

Sufficiently: varied and relevant to your claim. (Sufficient = “enough”)
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Inference: a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
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Examine: explaining your inferences in detail (“For example, the fact that
George takes his hat off reveals….”)
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Logical: a thoughtful and intentional order to the presentation of your
claims; often chronological.

Sophisticated: shows close reading and awareness of interaction of
subtleties. (subtle details/aspects of the text)

Embedded: taking the quotation and gracefully incorporating into the
context allowing for analysis to be emphasized.
ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING RUBRIC:
Exemplary (4) (Voice,
Initiative and Ownership)
C
Proficient +
E I
N D
*is original or sophisticated.
T E
R A
A
L
T
H
E
S
I
S
Proficient +
E
V
I
D
E
N
C
E
Proficient +
A
N
A
L
Y
S
I
S
Proficient +
O
R
G
A
N
I
Z
E
D
Proficient +
C
O
N
C
L
U
S
I
O
N
* is articulate and fully maps
the argument’s organization.
* often embedded into
writer’s sentences, with no
excess, allowing for analysis
to be emphasized.
Proficient (3)
* an accurate
argument that can
be defended by
evidence.
Developing (2)
* an argument, but
may be inaccurate.
* may be contradicted
by the text
Beginning (1)
* not an argument or
lacks the need to be
argued.
* clearly expresses a * expresses an
full argument (a
incomplete argument
claim + HOW or
WHY?).
* does not express an
argument
*may simply quote or
summarize the text or
plot.
* introduced with
useful context.
* sufficiently
supports the claim.
* requires inference.
* not introduced
* irrelevant to specific
claims.
* excessive
* introduced, but
without useful context.
* is insufficient to
support claim or does
not require inference.
* Citation Missing /
Format
*sophisticated examination.
* may use additional details
or information to further
develop argument.
* concisely and articulately
phrased
* Claims are distinct, not
overlapping.
* Transitions address
previous claims to create a
cohesive structure.
* examines
evidence in support
of claim and overall
argument.
* hints at the
connection between
evidence and claim or
argument.
*The reader must infer
the author’s reasoning.
* only summarizes
evidence and/or does
not connect evidence to
claim or argument.
* Claims logically
prove the thesis.
* Claims have a
logical order.
*Transitions
between claims are
present.
* Claims are mostly
relevant to the thesis.
* Claims are not yet in
a logical order.
*Transitions are
unsuccessful.
* Claims are not related
to thesis.
*Transitions not clearly
present.
* reinforces or
broadens the main
idea of the thesis.
* a simple restatement
of thesis or veers offtopic.