Reasoning Rubric—Middle School

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Clarity Innovations

	4	3	2	1
Forming Opinions	I base my opinion on good evidence that I synthesized from many credible sources.	I base my opinion on credible evidence.	I base my opinion on evidence that is not credible.	I do not base my opinion on evidence.
Supporting Opinions	I show that I understand complex issues by investigating and synthesizing information from a variety of viewpoints.	My opinion addresses more than one viewpoint.	My opinion addresses only one viewpoint.	My opinion does not seem to address a viewpoint.
Predicting	I use a thorough understanding of the subject to make reasonable predictions. I revise my predications when necessary.	I use an understanding of the subject to make reasonable predictions. I usually revise my predictions when necessary.	With help, I can make reasonable predictions. I sometimes revise my predications when necessary.	I do not make predictions.
Drawing Conclusions	I use my personal experiences, knowledge, feelings, and thorough understanding of the subject to make inferences. I use inferences to draw meaningful and logical conclusions that add insight to my understanding.	I use my personal experiences, knowledge, feelings, and understanding of the subject to make inferences. I use inferences to draw meaningful and logical conclusions.	With help, I can make inferences and use them to draw conclusions. Sometimes my conclusions are not meaningful or logical.	I do not draw conclusions, or the conclusions I draw are insignificant or illogical.
Determining Cause and Effect	I can identify multiple causes and effects for an event or situation. I can prioritize causes according to impact. I understand that correlation is not the same as causation. I can use my understanding to determine logical causes and effects.	I can identify multiple causes and effects for an event. I understand the difference between causation and correlation. I use my understanding to determine causes and effects.	With help, I can identify multiple causes and effects for an event. I sometimes confuse correlation and causation.	I cannot identify multiple causes and effects for an event.
Visual Representation	I can create a detailed visual representation that clearly shows the relationships among various causes and effects.	I can create an accurate visual representation that shows causes and effects.	I can create a somewhat accurate visual representation that shows causes and effects.	With help, I can create a visual representation that shows causes and effects.
Communication	I can explain my reasoning processes and the conclusions I have drawn in a clear and thorough way.	I can explain my reasoning processes and the conclusions I have drawn.	I can somewhat explain my reasoning processes and the conclusions I have drawn.	I cannot explain my reasoning processes or my conclusions in a way that people can understand.