How to Cite an Encyclopedia in MLA 9: The Main Rules With Examples
- 5 October 2020
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A grading rubric is an essential tool that instructors use to assess an overall work and writing skills of their students. Basically, an argumentative essay rubric is an example of this tool, whose purpose is to assess a specific degree to which students have aligned their compositions to acceptable writing standards. In turn, these standards include organization, formatting, content quality, and thesis development. As such, writing an argumentative essay rubric differs from rubrics of other types of papers in that it assesses whether students have captured counter-arguments and refutations in their texts.
General Aspects
When students write academic texts, their instructors grade their work by assessing it against an established grading rubric. Bascially, the 5 main elements of an argumentative essay are a clear thesis, logical reasoning, strong supporting evidence, a counterargument with a rebuttal, and a compelling conclusion. Therefore, an argumentative essay grading rubric is an assessment tool that instructors use to measure students’ performance. Ideally, any rubric, which takes a form of a table, has assessment criteria and grading criteria. In this case, the former appears as a row on a left side, and the latter appears as an upper column. Moreover, an argumentative essay grading rubric differs from other types of rubrics in that one of the assessment criteria is a content of an entire text. In an argumentative paper rubric, students are assessed by whether they have captured counter-arguments and refutations in their writing. Besides, no other type of text assesses these details.
What Is an Argumentative Essay Rubric and Its Purpose
According to its definition, an argumentative essay rubric is an academic tool designed to evaluate and score a paper or writing based on key components necessary for a strong argument. For example, the main purpose of writing an argumentative essay rubric is to ensure consistency and fairness in grading and establish transparent expectations and criteria for both students and teachers (Aull, 2020). Basically, this tool outlines key writing expectations for various elements of an academic paper, such as a thesis statement, structure, use of evidence, argument development, coherence, and grammar. Further on, each element is assigned a point value or rating, which allows a grader to evaluate how well a student meets key writing expectations for each aspect of a composition (Humble, 2023). As such, students can understand what is expected of them, promoting self-awareness and improvement in their writing. Moreover, such evaluations can be used to offer constructive feedback, helping students to identify areas of strength and areas in need of improvement (Ozfidan & Mitchell, 2022). In terms of pages and words, the length of an argumentative essay rubric depends on academic levels and details required for an entire evaluation, while general writing guidelines are:
High School
- Length: 1-2 pages
- Word Count: 250-500 words
- Comment: Rubrics for high school essays usually focus on basic criteria, such as thesis clarity, argument organization, use of evidence, and grammar. In principle, they may include simple descriptors for each scoring level.
College (Undergraduate)
- Length: 1.5-3 pages
- Word Count: 375-750 words
- Comment: College-level rubrics are more detailed, covering argument complexity, depth of analysis, integration of sources, counterarguments, and critical thinking. In writing, they may emphasize citation accuracy and structure.
University (Upper-Level Undergraduate)
- Length: 2-4 pages
- Word Count: 500-1,000 words
- Comment: For upper-level courses, university rubrics may include more advanced writing criteria, such as a depth of research, a sophistication of argument, analytical skills, and a student’s ability to engage with opposing viewpoints.
Master’s Level
- Length: 2.5-5 pages
- Word Count: 625-1,250 words
- Comment: Master’s-level rubrics are highly detailed, focusing on research quality, depth of analysis, theoretical engagement, original contributions, and professional writing standards. Moreover, a greater emphasis is placed on argument innovation and complexity.
Ph.D. Level
- Length: 3-6+ pages
- Word Count: 750-1,500+ words
- Comment: Ph.D. rubrics are the most comprehensive, often assessing originality of research, a depth of theoretical exploration, contribution to a specific field, argument coherence, and an integration of a significant body of scholarly work. In turn, writing criteria emphasize methodological rigor, academic impact, and publication readiness.
Format
| Section | Content Criteria |
|---|---|
| Argumentative Thesis Statement | Clear, concise, and arguable thesis statement. |
| Reflects a main argument and is well-positioned in an introduction. | |
| Argument Development | Arguments are logical, coherent, and effectively support a thesis of an essay. |
| Ideas are presented in a logical sequence with clear topic sentences. | |
| Supported by evidence. | |
| Use of Evidence | Relevant, credible, and sufficient evidence. |
| Evidence is analyzed and directly supports key claims. | |
| Differentiates between factual data and opinion. | |
| Counterarguments | Acknowledges and effectively addresses counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. |
| Refutes counterarguments with evidence and reasoning. | |
| Organization & Structure | Clear structure that enhances understanding of an essay’s argument. |
| Smooth transitions between ideas. | |
| Strong introduction and conclusion. | |
| Critical Thinking & Analysis | Demonstrates original thinking and insight. |
| Synthesizes evidence and ideas to form a compelling argument. | |
| Shows depth in reasoning. | |
| Language & Style | Clear and persuasive language. |
| Appropriate vocabulary for an intended audience. | |
| Avoids casual language or overly complex sentences. | |
| Grammar & Mechanics | Free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. |
| Correct sentence structure and paragraphing. | |
| Citation & Formatting | Accurate citation of all sources used. |
| Proper use of citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.). | |
| Adheres to formatting guidelines (margins, font, spacing). | |
| Originality & Insight | Demonstrates original thought and insights about an essay’s topic. |
| Offers new perspectives or approaches to an argument. |
Note: Some sections of an argumentative essay rubric can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on some expectations for critical thinking, research skills, and depth of argument. For example, a standard argumentative essay rubric format is a structured assessment tool that outlines specific criteria for evaluating an overall quality of an entire paper and includes sections, like a thesis, argument development, evidence, organization, and mechanics (Humble, 2023). In writing, the 5 key parts of an argumentative essay are an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs (each presenting an argument), counterargument with rebuttal, and conclusion. Moreover, the principal criteria for an argumentative essay include a clear thesis, logical argument development, strong use of evidence, acknowledgment of counterarguments, and proper organization and writing mechanics (Aull, 2020). Finally, to start an argumentative essay rubric, people define the key criteria they want to evaluate, such as a thesis strength, argument structure, use of evidence, and counterarguments.
Steps on How to Write a Right Argumentative Essay Rubric
To write an argumentative essay rubric, people outline the key evaluation criteria, establish performance levels for each criterion, and provide clear, descriptive guidelines to assess an overall quality of a paper’s thesis, arguments, evidence, organization, and mechanics. For example, the 5 steps of an argumentative essay are choosing a debatable topic, crafting a clear thesis, developing supporting arguments, addressing counterarguments, and writing a strong conclusion (Hackett, 2021). Furthermore, criteria in an argumentative essay are principal standards used to evaluate a paper’s effectiveness, such as a clarity of a thesis, strength of arguments, use of evidence, coherence, and adherence to writing conventions. In turn, some writing steps to consider are:
- Define a Purpose of a Rubric: Clarify main goals and criteria you want to assess in an argumentative essay, such as thesis strength, evidence, or structure.
- Identify Key Sections: Break an entire composition into essential components, like a thesis statement, argument development, evidence use, and counterarguments.
- Establish Performance Levels: Create a scale (e.g., excellent, good, fair, poor) to assess each section and define expectations for each level.
- Detail Thesis Requirements: Describe what constitutes a strong thesis, including clarity, arguability, and its role in a paper’s structure.
- Outline Argument Development Criteria: Define how well arguments should support a thesis, be logical, and flow smoothly from one to the next.
- Specify Evidence Quality: Set standards for a relevance, credibility, and depth of evidence used to back up arguments.
- Address Counterarguments: Include criteria for recognizing and effectively refuting opposing viewpoints.
- Include Structure & Organization: Assess a clarity of an essay’s structure, including logical transitions and a strong introduction and conclusion.
- Evaluate Grammar & Mechanics: Create standards for grammatical accuracy, spelling, and adherence to academic writing conventions.
- Add Citation & Formatting Requirements: Include expectations for proper citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.) and adherence to formatting guidelines (e.g., margins, font, spacing, etc.).
Argumentative Essay Rubric Example
1. Organization
3 Points: An essay has a natural, logical, and compelling progression of ideas. In writing, an entire structure is clear and enhances a central idea and readability of a text. Finally, a presented content utilizes transitions gracefully throughout a paper.
2 Points: Overall, a paper has a natural, logical progression of ideas. In this case, an overall flow of ideas makes sense and enhances readability. Besides, there is evidence of strong transitions throughout an entire text.
1 Point: A presented composition has an awkward progression of ideas, yet a reader can read a text without much confusion. Moreover, there is a sporadic use of transitions in some parts of a paper.
0 Points: There is an unclear and illogical arrangement of a text. Firstly, there is evidence of a lack of direction. Secondly, there is a loose or random use of ideas and details. Further on, an entire text lacks an identifiable internal paper structure, which complicates a flow of thought. Moreover, a whole text has a few transitions that have been used loosely and randomly. Hence, a paper fails to meet basic writing requirements of an argumentative essay rubric.
Score: ___ .
2. Formatting
3 Points: There is a well-developed sentence structure throughout an essay. Besides, there is a correct use of punctuation and capitalization.
2 Points: Overall, a sentence structure is correct. However, there is evidence of some awkward sentences in some parts of a paper. Finally, there is also evidence of punctuation and capitalization errors.
1 Point: A whole composition is poorly structured and has notable grammatical errors. In writing, there is evidence of punctuation and capitalization errors.
0 Points: A sumbitted paper has multiple incorrect sentence structures. Moreover, there are plenty of punctuation and capitalization errors. Hence, this paper must be improved by considering the writing criteria of an argumentative essay rubric.
Score: ___ .
3. Content
3 Points: An essay’s content is well-developed, with three or more main arguments and supporting details. In writing, there is a counter-argument paragraph with at least two claims. Furthermore, there is a refutation paragraph(s) that acknowledges a counter-argument and summarizes main arguments.
2 Points: A paper has three or more main arguments but without sufficient supporting details. In turn, there is a counter-argument paragraph. Besides, there is a refutation paragraph that acknowledges a counter-argument but does not summarize main arguments.
1 Point: A text has three or more main arguments that are not well-developed. In this case, there is a counter-argument with a vague claim. Finally, there is a refutation paragraph that does not acknowledge a counter-argument.
0 Points: A submitted work has less than three main arguments, which are not well-developed. Basically, there is neither a counter-argument nor a refutation paragraph. Hence, an entire work must be revised to follow an argumentative essay rubric and its writing requirements.
Score: ___ .
4. Thesis
3 Points: An essay has a clearly structured argumentative thesis statement. Moreover, an introduction paragraph is well-developed and contextualizes a thesis.
2 Points: A paper has a clearly stated argumentative thesis. In turn, an introduction offers some background information that connects with a thesis.
1 Point: An entire text has an argumentative thesis, but an introduction offers no background information that helps to contextualize a main claim.
0 Points: A submitted piece has a vague argumentative thesis. In essence, the background information in an introduction section seems random and does not relate to a stated thesis. Hence, a student needs to develop a thesis statement to cover basic writing expectations of an argumentative essay rubric.
Score: ___ .
Final Score: ___ .
Grade Equivalent:
A = 10-12 points
B = 9-7 points
C = 5-6 points
D = 3-4 points
F = 0-2 points
Recommendations
When creating any argumentative essay rubric, several recommendations can enhance its effectiveness. For example, people need to ensure an entire rubric includes clear and specific criteria that align with course goals of an assignment, such as thesis strength, argument development, use of evidence, counterarguments, organization, and grammar (Taylor et al., 2024). In writing, each criterion should have a detailed description of performance levels (e.g., excellent, good, fair, poor), which clearly differentiates what is expected at each level. Then, such evaluations should avoid using overly complex language and keep a text user-friendly for both students and instructors. Basically, it is also important to weigh sections according to their significance (Hackett, 2021). In this case, argument strength and use of evidence might carry more weight than grammar or formatting. Moreover, a working evaluation tool should include space for feedback, allowing instructors to provide constructive comments based on a specific criterion (Ferretti & Graham, 2019). In principle, including a section on originality and critical thinking encourages students to bring fresh perspectives to their writing. Finally, people must ensure their argumentative essay rubric aligns with common citation and formatting standards required for an assignment (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.) and follow key updates (Humble, 2023). In turn, periodically reviewing and updating a working evaluation tool to reflect changes in curriculum or expectations can help teachers to maintain its relevance and usefulness over time. As a result, by following these writing recommendations, rubrics for argumentative essays will provide clear guidance and consistent grading.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Criteria: Failing to define specific and measurable aspects of rubrics for argumentative essays, leading to vague or incomplete assessment.
- Overcomplicating a Rubric: Including too many detailed sections, which can confuse students and make grading unclear.
- Ignoring Thesis Quality: Not giving sufficient emphasis to a clarity and arguability of a thesis, which is a core of an argumentative paper.
- Neglecting Counterarguments: Omitting criteria for addressing and refuting opposing views, a key element in a strong argumentative composition.
- Not Differentiating Performance Levels: Failing to clearly distinguish what separates excellent, good, average, and poor work in each section.
- Overlooking Evidence Quality: Focusing too much on argument structure and not enough on a relevance and credibility of supporting evidence.
- Lacking Clear Organization Expectations: Not specifying writing standards for logical flow, transitions, and coherence between ideas and paragraphs.
- Missing Grammar and Mechanics: Ignoring or underemphasizing an importance of grammar, punctuation, and adherence to academic writing conventions.
- Inconsistent Weighting of Sections: Assigning equal value to all sections, even when some (like argument strength) are more important than others (like formatting).
- Not Including Citation Standards: Failing to require proper citation and referencing, which can lead to improper sourcing and plagiarism issues.
Summing Up
To create a rubric for an argumentative essay, people define the key assessment criteria, set performance levels for each, and provide clear descriptions of expectations for each level across all sections, such as content, organization, and mechanics. As such, an argumentative essay grading rubric is a tool that instructors use to assess students’ work. Basically, an entire grading assesses students’ work in terms of organization, formatting, content, and thesis development. In turn, students should master the following writing tips about an argumentative paper grading rubric:
- create an introduction that offers a background for a thesis;
- observe correct formatting standards as per applicable formats, such as APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian;
- utilize transitions to create a natural and logical progression of ideas.
References
Aull, L. (2020). How students write: A linguistic analysis. The Modern Language Association of America.
Ferretti, R. P., & Graham, S. (2019). Argumentative writing: Theory, assessment, and instruction. Reading and Writing, 32(6), 1345–1357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-019-09950-x
Hackett, U. (2021). Brilliant essays. Red Globe Press.
Humble, R. K. (2023). The humble essay: A readable introduction to college writing. Chemeketa Press.
Ozfidan, B., & Mitchell, C. (2022). Assessment of students’ argumentative writing: A rubric development. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 9(2), 121–133. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1064
Taylor, B., Kisby, F., & Reedy, A. (2024). Rubrics in higher education: An exploration of undergraduate students’ understanding and perspectives. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 49(6), 799–809. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2023.2299330
