Argumentative Essay
Now that you have read The Crucible, it is your turn to put your knowledge of power and persuasion to the test. Using
evidence from the play and additional research from at least one outside source, decide whether you will argue for or
against the below statement, supporting your argument in a well-organized 5-PARAGRAPH ESSAY. Your argument for
or against will be your thesis statement.

The themes of discrimination, corruption of power and intolerance in The Crucible relate to today’s world
where modern day witch hunts continue to take place. Provide evidence to defend or refute this
statement.
You will also choose ONE of the following 20th century historic events to research and use to support your thesis
statement. Your evidence will come from the play and from at least one outside source that you have found while
researching your historic event. Use both the play and your outside source to support your thesis.
Genocide in Rwanda in 1994
Japanese Internment Camps of 1940s
Darfur, Sudan 2003 - 2009
Muslims/Arab Americans in the US after 9/11
The Holocaust/WWII
The Srebrenica Massacre during the Bosnian War 1995
The Khmer Rouge in Cambodia 1975 - 1979
DIRECTIONS:
1. Make sure your THESIS STATEMENT is present in your INTRO PARAGRAPH. Make sure it CLEARLY answers
the question above.
2. Each BODY PARAGRAPH (3) will summarize/paraphrase evidence that supports your argument. Each BODY
PARAGRAPH will have quoted evidence from BOTH texts. This is called FACTUAL REASONING. You must
CITE the source it comes from.
3. After each piece of evidence, you will explain HOW that evidence PROVES your THESIS STATEMENT. This is
called ANALYSIS, or LOGICAL REASONING.
4. You will CONCLUDE your essay with a summary of your main points, a statement reinforcing your thesis and a
persuasive call to action where you make reasonable suggestions about what can be done to prevent similar
situations in the future.
REQUIREMENTS:
 Typed, double-spaced, 12 point font.
 MLA Format Bibliography.
 A quoted passage from BOTH sources in EACH body paragraph.
 Staple your rough draft to the back of your final essay.
DUE DATES/GRADING:
 Rough Draft – 20 points. Must be typed and double-spaced. Due Thursday 11/1.
 Final Draft – 80 points. See rubric (attached). Due Tuesday 11/6.
PRESENTATION:
As a group, you will present your research on the 20th century historic events. Presentations will be worth an additional 30
points and will be graded on how well your group answers the following questions:
 Who were the major players? (Who was involved?)
 How the event is different from the events in Salem?
 How the event is similar to the events in Salem?
 What were the primary motivating factors behind the event?
 What was the outcome of the event?
The Crucible - Argumentative Essay Rubric
Score
100 – 90 (A)
89 – 80 (B)
79 – 70 (C)
69 – 60 (D or below)
Introduction
The introductory
paragraph has a strong
opening and gives
concise and thorough
background information
about the text. The thesis
is clearly stated and
there is an outline of the
paper’s main points to be
discussed.
The introductory
paragraph has an
opening that is
appropriate for the
audience. Gives some
background information
about the text. The
thesis is stated. There is
an outline of the main
points to be discussed.
The introductory paragraph
has a weak and
inappropriate opening.
Only includes titles and
author as background
information for the text.
The thesis statement is
present but unclear. There
is no mention of the main
points to be discussed.
The introductory
paragraph is not relevant
to the topic. There is no
background information
for the text. The thesis
statement is not present.
There is no introduction to
the main points of the
essay.
Evidence
Each of the body
paragraphs includes
appropriate and specific
evidence from BOTH
texts that support the
thesis statement. All of
the evidence and
examples are specific
and relevant. Author
contextualizes quoted
evidence, and chooses
the best passages.
Each of the body
paragraphs includes
appropriate evidence
from BOTH texts that
support the thesis
statement. Most of the
evidence and examples
are specific and relevant.
There are quoted
passages that are not the
best.
At least one of the body
paragraphs includes
appropriate, specific, and
sufficient evidence from
one of the texts that
supports the thesis
statement. At least two of
the pieces of evidence and
examples are relevant.
The evidence is listed,
paraphrased, or too long.
There is very little or no
evidence that supports the
thesis statement.
Evidence and examples
are not relevant or are
inaccurate. Summarized
evidence or plot summary.
Analysis
There is a tight link of
support between
evidence and thesis.
Ideas are well developed
and fully explained.
Analysis is consistently
original, thoughtful, and
clearly written. Attempts
more challenging
concepts and takes risks
with ideas.
The analysis is there,
though not as explicit as
it could be. The ideas are
fully explained. Analysis
and explanation of the
evidence proves the
thesis statement.
Analysis is clearly
articulated, fully
developed, and
addresses the prompt.
The analysis is not fully
explained and
underdeveloped. Makes a
weak reference to the
thesis statement.
Inadequate analysis does
not persuade reader, or
only proves the obvious.
Analysis is
underdeveloped, or
superficial.
There is very little or no
analysis and explanation
of the evidence. All ideas
are repeated from
subjects already covered.
Does not address the
prompt.
Conclusion
The conclusion is strong,
creative and leaves the
reader solidly
understanding the
writer’s views. Effectively
ties essay to human
condition by connecting
themes to world. The call
to action is effective and
inspiring.
The conclusion leaves
the reader solidly
understanding the
writer’s views and
effectively restates the
thesis. Makes connection
to issues today. The
essay offers next steps
or a call to action.
Effective restatement of the
thesis statement begins the
closing paragraph. The call
to action is unclear.
There is no conclusion—
the paper just ends.
Style/
Organization
Uses mature, academic
diction and has an
expansive vocabulary.
The essay is well
organized and
successfully uses
transitions between
paragraphs.
Uses appropriate diction
and arguments. Essay is
well-organized. Uses
transitions between most
paragraphs.
Mostly appropriate diction,
though occasionally uses
colloquialisms or slang.
The essay has some
organization but could be
improved. Transitions are
weak.
Does not use appropriate
diction. There are many
colloquialisms and clichés.
Writer makes very few
errors in typing,
grammar, or spelling that
distract the reader. MLA
format is correct.
Writer makes few errors
in typing, grammar, or
spelling that distract the
reader. MLA format is
correct.
Writer makes some errors
in typing, grammar, or
spelling that distract the
reader. Cites passages,
but uses MLA incorrectly.
Writer makes many errors
in typing, grammar, or
spelling that distract the
reader. No MLA format.
Grammar,
Spelling, MLA
The paper lacks clear
organization and
transitions between
paragraphs are not
present.