Classical Argument Rubric

	Inadequate --1	Development --2	Competent --3	Exemplary --4
Claim Clear articulation of thesis and development of effective supporting arguments	Thesis is missing, supporting contentions are weak, or paper's argument does not present a clear, coherent position.	Thesis is present, but requires clarification. Quality/effectiveness of paragraph topic sentences is inconsistent. Supporting claims require clarification and development.	Thesis is present, but may require clarification or more effective articulation. OR Topic sentences are present and effective, but may require clarification of relevance to thesis or articulation of paragraph's purpose OR Claims may oversimplify / overlook the complexities of the issue.	Presents a clear, effective thesis. Topic sentences establish effective supporting claims that are directly and clearly relevant to the thesis. Argument demonstrates clear insight into the complexities of the issue and identifies/responds to opposing points of view
Inartistic Selection of abundant, effective, and credible supporting information from a variety of sources	Evidence is limited, lacks relevance to claims, or inadequately supports the thesis	All paragraphs include some evidence, but support is rarely thorough and demonstrates limited understanding of the evidence available to support the claims made.	Effective evidence is used, but evidence of thorough support is inconsistent.  Writer may use evidence that, though appropriate, is not the most effective available, mat not be clearly states, or may not consistently establish credibility of sources with attributive tags	All body paragraphs use multiple clear, relevant, quoted or paraphrased examples from research. Writer selects most effective or informative examples available uses attributive tags, and limits length of quotes to help focus the topic of discussion.
Artistic Consistent, intentional use of analysis, appeals, or creative wording to support the argument	In many cases, commentary is inaccurate or poorly linked to evidence. Effective use of word choice, analysis, or appeals is absent	Commentary generally requires clarification and development. Does not appear to consistently use appeals, word choice, and analysis to effectively address audience or occasion.	Evidence is consistently supported by discussion and analysis, but this commentary may need clarification or development. Use of appeals, word choice, or reasoning are less consistent or appropriate for the audience and occasion	All evidence is accompanied by effective discussion and analysis. Writer supports/ develops their analysis with appeals such as ethos, pathos, and logos and effective word choice and reasoning. Stylistic choices and consistent and appropriate for the audience and occasion of the piece
Organization Clear organization of introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use of transitions. Balance of claims, evidence, and analysis	Paper lacks a clear introduction/ conclusion OR organization of body paragraphs fails to address one of the key elements of classical argument. OR lack of clear organizing concept hinders communication of ideas and support of argument	Not all organizational elements are present; intro paragraph may need clarification or development, body paragraphs lack balance between artistic proofs, inartistic proofs, and refutations. Transitions are uncommon or frequently awkward and unclear.	All organization elements are present, but may be inconsistent in their clarity, articulation, or balance. Transitions are consistently used, but may occasionally be unclear, wordy, or awkward.	Introduction engages the reader, provides a clear thesis, and establishes author's ethos. Body paragraphs include effective topic sentences, artistic and inartistic proofs, and refutations. Conclusions are provided for body paragraphs and the paper as a whole. Clear, effective transitions are provided to clarify links between ideas.
Refutations Demonstrates insight into other possible perspectives, conceding or refuting these ideas where appropriate	Discussion of other perspectives is unreasonable, inaccurate, or absent.	Rarely demonstrates insight into other perspectives. These observations are frequently less detailed, biased, or inaccurate. Writing shows little interest in fairly addressing multiple perspectives.	Frequently demonstrates insight into other perspectives. These observations may not be consistently developed or as detailed. Discussion of concessions or refutations seems aimed solely at supporting the author's claims rather than demonstrating insight into the issue	Consistently demonstrates insight into others' perspectives, presenting these other viewpoints in a fair, detailed, articulate manner. Concessions or refutations of these ideas
Voice Clear expression, appropriate level of language, and effective word choice. Clarity, grammar, and variety of sentences	Writing is significantly hindered by informal, inappropriate word choice, awkward, wordy, fragmented, or run-on sentences.	Sentence structure lacks variety, transitions are rare, or awkward sentence constructions are present. Word choice can be informal, vague, or inappropriate for the subject of the essay.	The writer shows good control over simple sentence structure but inconsistent control over complex sentences and transitions. Awkward or wordy constructions and lapses in diction are rare and do not significantly hinder meaning.	Sentence structure reflects logic and sense, helping to show how ideas relate. Transitions and variation in sentence structure add interest to the text. Clear, effective, formal diction actively supports credibility of argument.
Conventions Standard spelling, punctuation, capitalization, MLA format, and citation	Multiple errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, and citation show a lack of attention to detail or careful editing.	Paragraphs frequently have multiple errors. Ideas are not significantly hindered,  but essay clearly could have been more carefully proofread	Occasional errors may be present, but are limited to uncommon words, grammatical constructions or novel citation/format problems. Generally, the text is clear.	Text uses correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and correct MLA format and citation.