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| Criteria | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | Clear, focused, strong stance with specific arguments. | Clear thesis with a focused stance; may lack some specificity. | Vague or unclear thesis. | Missing or poorly developed thesis. | |
| Argument and Evidence | Compelling arguments with strong supporting evidence. | Clear arguments with adequate supporting evidence. | Some lack clarity or convincing evidence. | Weak or unsupported arguments. | |
| Organization | Clear intro, smooth transitions, strong conclusion. | Well-organized with clear intro, body, and conclusion; mostly smooth transitions. | Some issues, like unclear transitions or weak conclusion. | Poor organization affecting flow. | |
| Language and Tone | Vivid, engaging language; persuasive and respectful tone. | Clear language, mostly engaging; appropriate tone. | Basic language; tone may lack persuasion or respect. | Unclear language; inappropriate or disrespectful tone. | |
| Counterarguments | Acknowledged and effectively addressed, strengthening impact. | Acknowledged and addressed to some extent. | Mentioned but not effectively addressed. | Lack of acknowledgment or addressing. | |
| Conclusion | Effectively summarizes key points, reinforces thesis. | Summarizes key points; may lack some strength. | Weak or lacks clear connection to the thesis. | Missing or ineffective conclusion. |
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