Persuasive Essay
Exemplary
Proficient
Partially Proficient
Basic
Thesis & Reasoning
(25%)
Meets Proficient and is precise, well connected, and clear (23-25 pts)
Thesis is clear and well developed
Reasoning to support the thesis is clear and well connected
(18-22 pts)
Thesis states the intent, but is not clear, or thesis is passive
Reasoning seems to align with thesis, but lacks clear connection (10-17 pts)
No thesis determinable
Reasoning is ambiguous at best
(0-9 pts)
Structure
(25%)
Meets Proficient and contributes to the overall success of the work
(23-25 pts)
The sequence/order of paragraphs is clear and complimentary to the whole.
Transitions are connected and work well moving from one topic to the next (18-22 pts)
The essay has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
The sequence/order of paragraphs impede the flow of the work
Transitions were minimal and not effective
The essay is missing a clear beginning, middle, or end
(10-17 pts)
The sequence/order of paragraphs is not clear, or paragraph breaks were not included
Transitions were not included
The essay is missing major portions
(0-9 pts)
Control/Articulation
(25%)
Meets proficient and demonstrates articulation of strong academic/professional work
(23-25 pts)
Word choice and formal register were utilized to contribute to and effect the tone of the work (18-22 pts)
Clear control of language is present and effective
Word choice and register were mixed, or were more informal in nature. Used slang, contractions, and or other forms of informal language. (10-17 pts)
Word choice and articulation compromise the overall intent of the work
Interferes with reader understanding
(0-9 pts)
Research and Support
(15%)
Meets proficient and had no errors with citation standards. Had more than required citations and sources
(13-15 pts)
Research was cited and used to support thesis and main points in the essay
Minimal errors with citation standards
(9-12 pts)
Research was cited, but did not support thesis or main ideas clearly
Errors with citations interfere with flow of the work
Did not cite required number in text or in works cited (5-8 pts)
Research was not utilized or cited
When using research, it was difficult to determine what was cited and what was not
No clear attempt to follow citation standard was evident (0-4 pts)
Mechanics
(10%)
Meets proficient and had no noticeable errors
(9-10 pts)
Few errors which did not interfere with flow or readability (6-8 pts)
Many errors – interfered with flow and readability
(3-5 pts)
Errors were so frequent flow/readability was completely disrupted
(0-2 pts)