Scoring Rubric: Persuasive Essays

To get a 5 for INTRODUCTION/THESIS, the thesis must expertly convey a strong argument (not simply statements of fact). The introduction should draw the reader in and be engaging. The introduction should identify the author, any intended audience, and the subject. It may also chose to touch upon the purpose, tone, and medium.

To get a 15 for BODY, you must provide three claims supported with specific evidence. The evidence must be presented appropriately:

Quotation: When you quote from the text, you copy the words exactly as they appear in the original, and you put quotation marks around the words you take from the text.

Paraphrase: When you paraphrase, you put into your own words an idea that the writer conveys in the text. The paraphrase in itself should not convey any interpretation of the writer's words; instead, the paraphrase should be your own way of stating the exact idea that the writer’s words convey.

Summary: When you summarize, you use considerably fewer words to convey a writer's ideas, especially if the writer has developed the ideas in a larger text. You need to make sure that your summary is accurate, that it really does convey concisely the points that the writer develops.

You must establish the logical connection between each claim and your evidence. The writer needs to supply lengthy commentary; in other words, you must thoroughly explain and pertain how and why a particular piece of evidence is good support for a specific claim

To get a 5 for CONCLUSION, you must summarize the main points of the paper, and make a logical and interesting connection between the arguments and the original thesis. Returning to the hook is a good way to recall the interest of the reader.

To get a 5 for PRECISION, you must master active, precise verbs to invigorate both analytical and persuasive papers. Frequently those choices will help you avoid unnecessary passive voice and excessive use of “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “I,” or “we.” This must include the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader.

To get a 5 for FLUENCY, you must showcase the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye. This also requires mechanical correctness of the piece and these five elements: spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar/usage, and paragraphing.

To get a 5 for VOICE, you must come through the words; it is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath. You must make the piece your own.

Argumentation 1 2 3 4 5

Introduction/Thesis
Body #1
Body #2
Body #3
Conclusion

Expression 1 2 3 4 5

Precision
Fluency
Voice

Score ________ / 40