Persuasive Essay Rubric

4 Introduction
The introduction begins with an attention grabbing hook, gives some background information and ends with a clear thesis. I have at least three body paragraphs. Each states a clear reason to support thesis and has at least 3 connected explanation sentences. Strong supporting facts. I discuss at least 2 reasons against my thesis and explain why it is valid anyway. My conclusion begins with a clear restatement of my thesis, I give a clear summary of my reasons and end my conclusion with a strong call to action. The words I use are interesting, varied and vivid. Most sentences start with a different word. I use a formal style.

3
The introduction begins with a hook, gives background and ends with a thesis, but they arent well connected. I include3 paragraphs to support my thesis and/or my paragraphs explanation of reasons. Some supporting facts. I give 2 reasons against my thesis but don't explain clearly why I still believe my claim. I restate my thesis, summarize my ideas and include a call to action. They may not be in order or well connected. Most sentences start with a different word, but not all. I have chosen some interesting words. I use a formal style. Most of the time, I use transitions to move from one sentence to another. I have a few grammar, spelling, punctuation & capitalization errors, but readers can still understand essay.

2
Hook and thesis arent wellconnected. My hook doesnt really grab the readers attention. One paragraph is missing or I have included some explanation, but not at least three sentences. Few supporting facts.

1
The hook, thesis or background information is missing. I dont clearly introduce my topic. I only have one supporting paragraph or I have only listed my reasons without any explanation. No supporting facts. I do not list or discuss the reasons against my thesis.

Student Teacher

Supporting Reasons/ Details (4 points for each paragraph) Counterargument

I give 1-2 reasons against my thesis but dont discuss them and/or don't explain why I still believe my claim. I restate my thesis, but it is unclear or doesnt appear at the beginning of the conclusion. My call to action is not strong or at the end. I make routine word choices. More than 1 sentence in a paragraph starts with the same word. I do not use a formal style. I rarely use transitions and my essay is choppy in parts. A number of spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization errors are distracting.

Conclusion

I used the thesis statement from introduction or have no thesis. I do not summarize my supporting reasons or include a call to action. I use the same words over and over. I often start sentences with the same word. I do not use a formal style.

Word Choice

Transitions

I effectively use transitions to move from one sentence to the next. My grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization are correct. One or two errors arent distracting.

I do not use transitions and my essay isnt well-connected. Many spelling, grammar, punctuation & capitalization errors make my essay difficult to understand.

Mechanics

Persuasive Essay Rubric