Argument Essay Rubric
You will be writing an argument essay based on your debate topic. You must support your claims with sources/evidence found by your team and properly cite your sources using MLA format.
Introduction
___Topic introduced in an interesting way
___Issue clearly explained
___Thesis clarifies your position on position presented in prompt
Support Paragraph #1
___Topic Sentence is an assertion that clearly states your point; does not merely repeat the thesis
___ Abundant evidence that is appropriate, SPECIFIC and clearly proves assertion
___Commentary reveals your original thinking, is well developed, and clearly shows how evidence supports assertions
Support Paragraph #2 (Concession)
___Topic Sentence begins with a transitional word or phrase from "Language of Concession" which clearly signals to the reader that this paragraph reflects the arguments of the opposing side
___Topic Sentence contains an assertion that clarifies this opposing argument
___Ample evidence clearly supports this opposing view
___Commentary shows that you understand how someone else might make this argument
Support Paragraph #3 (Rebuttal)
___Topic Sentence begins with a transitional word/phrase from "Language of Concession" which clearly signals to the reader that this paragraph is taking the reader to your rebuttal of the concession and back to your position
___ Topic Sentence contains an assertion that clearly states your rebuttal; in other words, which shows clearly why the argument in the concession paragraph is not valid
___Ample evidence clearly supports your rebuttal and your position
___Commentary reveals your original insight and makes a convincing argument for your position
Conclusion
___Clearly summarizes your position without simply recopying your thesis
___Explains why this is an important issue that we all should be concerned about
___Makes a strong call-to-action: as individuals or as a society, what should we do to solve this problem?
CITATION OF SOURCES (without proper citation the highest grade you can receive on this essay is a 70)
___ use of MLA format (use one of the classroom handbooks or look for an online guide – the Purdue online writing lab has a great site: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/11/
___ parenthetical citation for direct quotes AND summarization of others’ ideas.
___ works cited page
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
___ 12 font used
___ Times or Times New Roman used
___ At least 500 words
