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Purpose

My writing has a clear purpose that asks my audience to consider a position on an issue:

Argument of Fact: I correct a misconception, definition, or categorization.

Argument of Value: I explain why something is right or wrong, good or bad, and explain how or why and/or for whom.

Argument of Policy: I ask readers to take a specific action on an important issue.

My writing has a purpose that asks my audience to consider a position on an issue:

Argument of Fact: I correct a misconception, definition, or categorization.

Argument of Value: I explain why something is right or wrong, good or bad, and explain how or why and/or for whom.

Argument of Policy: I ask readers to take a specific action on an important issue.

The purpose of my writing is unclear or unimportant, and some parts of my writing are related only superficially to the purpose.

My writing has no clear purpose.

Scope

My topic is narrow enough to be thoroughly covered.

The topic is narrow enough to be covered.

The topic is clear but too broad to be covered adequately.

My topic is unclear.

Audience

I anticipate and thoroughly address my readers’ questions and concerns. I address counterarguments and explain why my position is more practical, logical, or ethical.

I anticipate and address my readers’ questions and concerns. I explain why opposing arguments are incorrect or less valid.

I try to anticipate and address some of my readers’ concerns. I try to address opposing arguments.

I do not anticipate my readers’ concerns, and I do not address opposing arguments.

Evidence

I support my arguments with information from a variety of credible sources, and I cite my sources correctly.

I support my arguments with information from credible sources, and I make only minor errors in citations.

I support some of my arguments with information that sometimes comes from questionable sources, and I make some errors in citations.

I do not support my arguments or I support my arguments with information from unreliable sources, and I make numerous errors in citations.

Conclusions

I synthesize information from reliable sources with my own experiences and ideas to draw meaningful conclusions about the topic.

I synthesize information from sources with my own ideas to draw conclusions about the topic.

I try to synthesize information from sources with my own ideas, but the conclusions I draw are not logical.

My writing consists almost entirely of paraphrased information from other sources with little attempt to draw my own conclusions.

Persuasive Appeals

I use appropriate persuasive appeals, such as appeals to reason, character, or emotion, to effectively persuade my readers of the validity and strength of my argument.

I use persuasive appeals to persuade my readers.

I try to use persuasive appeals to persuade my readers.

I do not use persuasive appeals

Introduction

My introduction states my claim or point of view. I engage readers by making them curious and convincing them of the importance of the issue.

My introduction states my claim or point of view. I engage readers, and illustrate the importance of the issue.

My introduction states my claim and attempts to explain why the issue is important.

My introduction does not state my claim or explain why the issue is important.

Organization

I make my argument by presenting evidence in an order that leads to the conclusion that my claim is correct.

I make my argument by presenting evidence in an order that leads to a conclusion that supports my claim.

I attempt to present evidence in a logical order, but it does not lead to a conclusion that supports my claim.

I do not present evidence in an order that helps to persuade people to agree with my claim.