Scoring Rubric for Persuasive Writing

Name____________________________ Essay Topic_______________

Criteria 1 Criteria 5

Complete and Coherent Sentences Acknowledges Opposition

____(4) 20 or more logically sequenced, _____(1) at least 1 reference to

complete, and coherent sentences opposing position with a

that focus on a single topic. counterargument

____(3) 16 or more…… _____(0) no reference to opposing

____(2) 13 or more….. position

____(1) 10 or more….

____(0) fewer than 10

Criteria 2 Criteria 6

Language Use and Conventions Appropriate Word Choice

_____(2) no interference ____(2) at least 6 examples

_____(1) some interference ____ (1) at least 4 examples

_____(0) much interference ____(0) fewer than 4 examples

Criteria 3 Criteria 7

Opening Paragraph Closing Paragraph

____(2) well thought out 3 or more ____(2) well thought-out 3 or more

sentences sentences

____(1) well thought out 2 or more ____(1)non patterned 2 or more

sentences sentences

____(0) fewer than 2 sentences ____(0) patterned fewer than 2 sentences

Criteria 4 Criteria 8

Explanations and Examples Transition Words and Phrases

_____(5) 3 mid. paragraphs with a topic ___(2) at least 7 examples

sent. and 4 or more detail sent. ___(1) at least 5 examples

_____(4) 3 mid paragraphs with a topic ___(0) fewer than 5 examples

sent. and 3 or more detail sent.

_____(3) 2 mid. paragraphs with a topic

Total Points ___________________

19 - 20 You have a chance of making an A.

17-18 You have a chance of making a B, but it's not a good one.

Total score______

sent. and 2 or more detail sent.

_____(2)1 mid. paragraph with a topic

sent. and 2 or more detail sent.

_____(0) mid. portion lacks either a topic

sent. or has fewer that 2 detail

sent.