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| Criteria | 15 points | 10 points | 5 points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | Clear, defensible thesis that directly responds to the prompt | Thesis is clear, defensible, and effectively addresses the prompt with insight | Thesis is present but lacks clarity or direct relevance to the prompt |
| Evidence and Commentary | Specific evidence provided with thorough commentary that strongly supports reasoning | Compelling evidence with insightful commentary that effectively reinforces reasoning | Some evidence and commentary provided but lacks depth or relevance |
| Sophistication | Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the rhetorical situation with consistently persuasive style, effective rhetorical choices, and exploration of complexities | Shows a high level of sophistication through nuanced analysis, persuasive language, and exploration of complexities within a broader context | Attempts sophistication but lacks depth or consistency in analysis and rhetorical choices |
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