| Thesis Statement |
Clear, well-defined thesis that takes a strong stance on the topic. |
Clear thesis that takes a stance on the topic. |
Thesis is present but lacks clarity or a strong stance. |
Thesis is unclear or missing. |
| Argument Development |
Arguments are well-developed, logical, and supported with strong evidence. |
Arguments are logical and supported with evidence. |
Arguments are present but lack strong evidence or logical development. |
Arguments are weak, illogical, or unsupported. |
| Counterarguments |
Effectively addresses counterarguments with clear rebuttals. |
Addresses counterarguments with some rebuttals. |
Mentions counterarguments but lacks effective rebuttals. |
Does not address counterarguments. |
| Organization |
Essay is logically organized with clear transitions between ideas. |
Essay is organized with some transitions between ideas. |
Essay has some organization but lacks clear transitions. |
Essay is disorganized and lacks transitions. |
| Introduction and Conclusion |
Introduction grabs attention and conclusion effectively summarizes the argument. |
Introduction and conclusion are present and summarize the argument. |
Introduction or conclusion is weak or unclear. |
Introduction and conclusion are missing or ineffective. |
| Language and Style |
Uses formal, persuasive language and varied sentence structure. |
Uses formal language with some sentence variety. |
Language is somewhat formal but lacks sentence variety. |
Language is informal and lacks sentence variety. |
| Grammar and Mechanics |
Few to no grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. |
Some grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. |
Several grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. |
Frequent grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. |
