GRADING RUBRIC FOR A PERSUASIVE OR LITERARY ESSAY
(The average length for top papers is around 700-750 words)
Begin with a sharp hook, use captivating lines, and end with a spectacular zinger!
A) INTRODUCTION – 20 POINTS (Start with a good “hook”)
( 10 ) Answer the question by making a clear thesis statement.
For a literary essay, also name the work and its author.
( 10 ) List at least three logical and distinct topics to prove that your thesis statement
(argument) is valid (List of Three).
B) CONTENT OF BODY PARAGRAPHS – 36 POINTS /12 POINTS PER PARAGRAPH
(21) You use at least three quotes or three citations of specific events to prove or illustrate
the point you make in each paragraph of the body of your essay. (For a literary
essay, these will be drawn from the text.) (7)
(15 ) You provide good explanations or interpretations of these citations at the end of
each body paragraph to tie these points to your thesis and wrap up your paragraph.
Use a transitional expression from the other side. (5)
C) ORGANIZATION AND LOGIC OF BODY PARAGRAPHS – 24 POINTS
( 6 ) Each paragraph represents one topic you make in your introduction. (2)
( 6 ) You have clear topic sentences to begin each paragraph. (2)
( 3 ) You use good transitional expressions at the end of each paragraph. (1)
( 9 ) The points you make are logical and strong, and clearly help you prove your thesis
statement. (3)
D) MECHANICS – 10 POINTS
(10) Points subtracted for syntax, spelling, improper diction or tone, punctuation and
grammatical errors.
E) CONCLUSION – 10 POINTS
( 4 ) Summarize your thesis statement again, and assert that your thesis statement is
proven because:
( 2 ) You’ve supported the evidence you listed in the introduction paragraph, and you list
these three points of evidence again (List of Three).
( 2 ) You’ve done all of the above gracefully, without sounding repetitious – Here’s the
art in essay writing! (In a literary essay, it is customary to name both the work and
the author again!)
( 1 ) Relate the issue you just discussed in the paper to real-life matters. (End with a great
zinger!)
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Know your audience!
Use tone and diction that is appropriate to your audience!
Get them with Hook, Line and Zinger!
Build your argument from weakest point to strongest point!
For a really strong argument, present opposing views first, and then dispute them!
TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSIONS
Connectives that link similar ideas:
again
also
another
besides
for example
for instance
furthermore
in addition
in a like manner
likewise
moreover
of course
similarly
too
Connectives that link ideas that are dissimilar or apparently contradictory:
although
on the contrary
conversely
provided that
yet
nevertheless
but
otherwise
however
in spite of
as if
on the other hand
even if
still
instead
Connectives that indicate cause, purpose, or result:
as
because
consequently
therefore
hence
since
then
for this reason
as a result
so
for
thus
Connectives that indicate time or position:
above
first
around
next
presently
at the present time
thereafter
thereupon
finally
afterward
at once
before
NINE ORGANIZATIONAL METHODS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Opinion/Argument
Compare/Contrast
Cause and Effect
Thesis/Antithesis/Synthesis
Exemplification
Process
Narrative
Classification/Division
Definition
beyond
eventually
across
here
meanwhile