Persuasive Writing Rubric—High School

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Purpose

My writing has a clear purpose that asks my audience to take a specific action on an important issue. All the parts of my writing enhance the purpose.

My writing has a purpose that asks my audience to take action on an important issue. All the parts of my writing relate to the purpose.

The purpose of my writing is unclear or unimportant, and some parts of my writing are related only superficially to the purpose.

My writing has no clear purpose.

Scope

My topic is narrow enough to be thoroughly covered.

The topic is narrow enough to be covered.

The topic is clear but too broad to be covered adequately.

My topic is unclear.

Audience

I anticipate and thoroughly address my readers’ questions and concerns. I address counterarguments and explain why my position is more practical, logical, or ethical.

I anticipate and address my readers’ questions and concerns. I explain why opposing arguments are incorrect or less valid.

I try to anticipate and address some of my readers’ concerns. I try to address opposing arguments.

I do not anticipate my readers’ concerns, and I do not address opposing arguments.

Evidence

I support my arguments with information from a variety of credible sources, and I cite my sources correctly.

I support my arguments with information from credible sources, and I make only minor errors in citations.

I support some of my arguments with information that sometimes comes from questionable sources, and I make some errors in citations.

I do not support my arguments or I support my arguments with information from unreliable sources, and I make numerous errors in citations.

Conclusions

I synthesize information from reliable sources with my own experiences and ideas to draw meaningful conclusions about the topic.

I synthesize information from sources with my own ideas to draw conclusions about the topic.

I try to synthesize information from sources with my own ideas, but the conclusions I draw are not logical.

My writing consists almost entirely of paraphrased information from other sources with little attempt to draw my own conclusions.

Rhetorical Devices

I use appropriate rhetorical devices, such as appeals to reason, character, or emotion, to effectively persuade my readers of the validity and strength of my argument.

I use rhetorical devices to persuade my readers.

I try to use rhetorical devices to persuade my readers.

I do not use rhetorical devices.

Introduction

My introduction states my claim or point of view. I engage readers by making them curious and convincing them of the importance of the issue.

My introduction states my claim or point of view. I engage readers, and illustrate the importance of the issue.

My introduction states my claim and attempts to explain why the issue is important.

My introduction does not state my claim or explain why the issue is important.

Organization

I make my argument by presenting evidence in an order that leads to the conclusion that my claim is correct.

I make my argument by presenting evidence in an order that leads to a conclusion that supports my claim.

I attempt to present evidence in a logical order, but it does not lead to a conclusion that supports my claim.

I do not present evidence in an order that helps to persuade people to agree with my claim.

Transitions

I use a variety of words, phrases, and structures to connect ideas so they flow in a logical order and build on each other naturally.

I use transitions to connect ideas so they flow together.

I attempt to connect ideas with transitions.

Ideas are not connected with transitions.

Pace

My writing flows at a pace appropriate for the audience and the topic, elaborating when appropriate.

The pace of my writing is appropriate.

Some parts of my writing may be too detailed or too vague.

My writing is too detailed or too vague.

Rhythm

My writing has rhythm and sounds effortless when read aloud.

My writing has rhythm.

My writing sometimes sounds choppy and awkward.

My writing is choppy and does not have any rhythm.

Paragraphs

My paragraphs provide structure and enhance meaning for the reader.

My paragraphs facilitate understanding.

My paragraphs sometimes detract from the meaning of the writing.

My paragraphs are ineffective and detract from the meaning of the writing.

Conclusion

My conclusion emphasizes my claim and the desired action in a memorable way and urges readers to take some kind of action.

My conclusion emphasizes my claim in a memorable way.

My conclusion attempts to emphasize my claim.

My conclusion does not emphasize my claim.

Voice

I convey a sense of sincere commitment to the point of view I am promoting and explain why readers should take my ideas seriously.

I convey sincerity and credibility.

I attempt to sound sincere and credible, but sometimes I give the impression that I do not really care about the topic.

I do not seem to care very much about the topic of my writing.

Tone

I use a generous, respectful, diplomatic tone for my readers and for opposing points of view.

I convey respect for my readers.

I try to convey respect for my readers.

I do not show any respect for my readers or for opposing points of view.

Sentences

My sentences are varied in length and structure to enhance meaning, and my sentence beginnings are varied and interesting. I use sentence fragments appropriately to enhance interest and meaning.

My sentences are varied in length and structure, and my sentence beginnings are often varied.

Some of my sentences are varied in length and structure.

Most of my sentences are not varied in structure and length, and my sentence beginnings are repetitive and predictable.

Language

I use accurate, powerful, and interesting words and phrases to create memorable pictures in the readers’ minds. I use technical terms sparingly, and, if they are necessary, I define them in easy-to-understand language.

I use accurate, interesting words to engage readers, and I define important technical terms.

My language is sometimes vague, general, and not descriptive, and I do not define all the important technical terms.

My language is general and predictable, and I do not define technical terms.

Creativity

I successfully manipulate language and information to surprise and delight my audience with fresh insights and ideas.

I manipulate language and information to surprise my audience with new ideas.

I try to surprise my audience with new ideas, but sometimes my efforts are distracting.

My writing is predictable and ordinary.

Conventions

My grammar and mechanics are correct, and I use Standard English throughout the writing.

My grammar and mechanics are correct, and my writing includes no errors that detract from meaning.

I make occasional errors in grammar and mechanics that detract from meaning.

I make so many errors in grammar and mechanics that my writing is difficult to read.