Rubric 2
Category 4 3
Claim, Criteria & In first or second
Statement of Reasons paragraphs, writer makes
a specific claim of
evaluation, states and
defends criteria, and
states a variety of
reasons to support the
claim. Evaluation is a
genuine matter of
argument.
Reasons Writer explains all
reasons thoughtfully and
in detail. Writer
anticipates and answers
reader's questions.
Grammar, Sentence Writer makes 2 or fewer
Structure & errors in capitalization or
Punctuation punctuation, so the
(Conventions) Journalistic piece is
exceptionally easy to
read.
Sequencing Journalistic piece flows
(Organisation) smoothly from idea to
Writer offers a clear
evaluative claim, criteria,
and reasons. However,
claim may be too broad,
criteria may need to be
defined more precisely,
or only a few reasons are
offered.
Writer explains reasons
but leaves out some
important detail. Writer
does not answer all of
reader's questions.
Writer makes 3-4 errors
in capitalization or
punctuation, but the
Journalistic piece is still
easy to read.
Journalistic piece is Journalistic piece is often Journalistic piece is so
usually smooth but has a jumpy. Writer uses
2 1
Claim, criteria, and There is no evaluative
reasons are all present claim or claim makes no
but do not seem linked to sense. Criteria or
one another. Criteria and reasons are absent.
reasons are confused.
Evaluation topic is not a
matter of genuine
argument.
Writer fails to discuss There's no discussion of
some of the reasons the reasons.
he/she has mentioned at
opening. Writer uses a
different set of criteria.
Writer makes a few Writer makes several
errors in capitalization errors in capitalization
and/or punctuation that and/or punctuation that
catch the reader's catch the reader's
attention and interrupt attention and greatly
the flow. interrupt the flow.
jumbled it's hard to
 idea, paragraph to few jumps. Writer often
paragraph, and sentence uses same transition
to sentence. words.
Introduction Introduction states claim
(Organisation) and reasons clearly,
within the first several
paragraphs. It is
interesting. Conclusion, if
it restates the Journalistic
piece's main points, does
so in very different
words. If it ends with a
new idea, it's relevant.
Focus or Thesis The thesis statement
Statement names the topic of the
essay and outlines the
main points to be
discussed.
Attention Grabber The introductory
paragraph has a strong
hook or attention grabber
that is appropriate for the
audience. This could be
a strong statement, a
relevant quotation,
statistic, or question
addressed to the reader.
Introduction states claim
and reason clearly but is
stiffly written. Writer takes
more than 3 paragraphs
to get to her point.
Conclusion restates
Journalistic piece's main
points accurately but in
similar words to opening.
The thesis statement
names the topic of the
essay.
The introductory
paragraph has a hook or
attention grabber, but it is
weak, rambling or
inappropriate for the
audience.
transition words understand.
inaccurately.
Introduction states the There's no clear
claim but no reasons. introduction or
Introduction states conclusion.
different criteria than
author uses. Journalistic
piece just ends or ends
on an unrelated tangent.
The thesis statement The thesis statement
outlines some or all of does not name the topic
the main points to be AND does not preview
discussed but does not what will be discussed.
name the topic.
The author has an The introductory
interesting introductory paragraph is not
paragraph but the interesting AND is not
connection to the topic is relevant to the topic.
not clear.
Closing Paragraph The conclusion is strong
and leaves the reader
solidly understanding the
writer's position. Effective
restatement of the
position statement begins
the closing paragraph.
Persuasiveness The final product was
extremely persuasive,
giving more than 3
supporting arguments.
The conclusion is The author's position is There is no conclusion -
recognizable. The restated within the the Journalistic piece just
author's position is closing paragraph, but ends.
restated within the first not near the beginning.
two sentences of the
closing paragraph.
The final product was The final product was The product was not
persuasive, giving more somewhat persuasive, persuasive at all, giving 1
than 2 supporting giving 2 or less or no supporting
arguments. supporting arguments. arguments.