Argumentative Essay Rubric (Useful for FSA)

The Peer Editing Rubric below was adapted from the rubric on the Florida DOE website.

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Florida Standards Assessment Argumentative Writing Rubric

For each of the following, answer yes or no. Also point out to your peer the sections of the essay that could be improved. Suggest ideas for improvement.

Purpose, Focus, and Organization: Write average for all of below ______.
(Divide by nine.)

1. Does the essay have a strong, clearly stated claim/argument (thesis statement)?____
2. Does every body paragraph clearly support the claim? (Check that the essay does not get "off track" or include loosely related material.)____
3. Does the essay clearly address alternate or opposing claims (counterclaims) and provide solid arguments against those claims?____
4. Does the essay skillfully use transitions between ideas and paragraphs?____
5. Does the essay present a well-organized, focussed, logical argument from beginning to end?____
6. Does the essay have a good introduction?____
7. Does the essay have a good conclusion?____
8. Is the language of the essay (word choice and style), as well as the tone (writer's attitude) appropriate for a formal argument?____
9. Is the argument convincing?____

Evidence and Elaboration: Write average for all of below ______.
(Divide by six.)

1. Does the essay smoothly integrate thorough and relevant evidence from each text?____
2. Does the essay include precise references to all the sources by using parenthetical citations or references to articles within the sentences?____
3. Does the essay include good, appropriate examples and quotations (not too long) to support the claim/main argument? The examples can be paraphrased information; the examples do not have to be direct quotes. However, even paraphrased information must include a citation.____
4. Does the essay include precise, specific language in the elaboration (not general or vague)? Elaboration is the explanation of how the examples relate to and support the claim.____
5. Is the elaboration appropriate for the purpose (thesis) of the essay?____
6. Does the elaboration flow (is it easy to read?) with well-written sentences that vary in length?____

Based on all of the above, rate the essay on a scale of 1 to 4. (1 is the lowest score and 4 is the highest score):

Conventions of Standard English: Write average for all of below ______.
(Divide by two.)

1. Does the essay include no or only minor errors (a few at most) in writing?____
2. Does the essay adequately use correct punctuation, capitalization, sentence formation, and spelling?____

Based on the above, rate the essay with a score of 1 or 2. (1 is the lowest score and 2 is the highest score):