argument

____/100

ARTS 1110 Introduction to University – Argumentative Essay Rubric

Name: ____________________________________ ICM Student Number ___________________

CONTENT (70%)

Introduction and Thesis

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

· Introduction clearly states what the author is trying to convince the reader of regarding the topic being argued. This includes the stance and the reasons for the stance.

· Introduction clearly explains the topic and defines relevant terms.

Argument and Reasoning

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

· There is a clear argument presented not just a description of facts.

· Argument is convincing. The writer has successfully demonstrated the validity of their claims.

· Argument is well-supported (i.e. there is relevant evidence to support claims).

· Counter-argument is considered and fairly represented with supporting evidence.

Pattern of Organization

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

· Paragraphs are consistently well developed, with a clear topic sentence and appropriate number of sentences that provide examples and develop points.

· Every paragraph works to support the general thesis with paragraphs linked by a common sense of purpose and each claim synthesized with a summary statement.

· Paragraphs follow the pattern of organization established in the thesis statement.

Conclusion

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

· Argument has been synthesized so that the reader is left with a clear understanding of what the claims were and the evidence used to support those claims.

· Does not simply repeat the thesis statement.

· Follows the pattern of organization established in the thesis statement.

Resources/Research

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

· Cited material is relevant (i.e. Sources serve to strengthen the authority of the argument).

MINIMUM OF 4 REFERENCES

· Cited material is reliable and authoritative.

· Annotations are complete with author information, summary, and indicates which claim

it supports. – annotate 2 references

Format and Style (APA 6th Edition )

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

· Title Page adheres to APA format – see sample title page on Moodle

· All pages follow APA 6 format (Running head, margins, double spacing, page numbers, etc…)

· In-text citations adhere to APA format

· Reference page adheres to APA format

Grammar and Composition Total: _____/10

Grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation ____/5

· 1 Incomprehensible

· 2-3 Difficult to understand

· 4 Understandable with persistent errors

· 5 Few errors

· Diction – precision and clarity of writing. ____/5

· Word Choices (avoidance of the use of loaded language, of ambiguity, of informal or colloquial/slang language, of contractions, of abbreviations).