Critical Thinking Evaluation Rubric —High School

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Clarity Innovations

	4	3	2	1
Determining the Credibility of Sources	I use several strategies (such as inferring assumptions, detecting bias, and determining expertise of author) to appropriately judge the credibility of qualitative and quantitative evidence.	I use more than one strategy to appropriately judge the validity of evidence.	If I am reminded, I use more than one strategy to judge the validity of evidence.	I do not use any strategies to judge the validity of evidence but just rely on my own feelings and experiences.
Responding to Persuasive Arguments	I evaluate the persuasive arguments of people trying to get me to take an action or believe an idea by looking for sound reasoning methods and detecting subtle manipulations of facts (such as false dilemmas, begging the question, poisoning the well, and evading the issue).	I evaluate persuasive arguments by looking for good reasoning methods and detecting some subtle manipulations of facts.	With guidance, I evaluate persuasive arguments by looking for good reasoning methods and detecting subtle manipulations of facts.	I decide to agree with persuasive arguments solely on my previous inclinations and opinions, without thinking carefully about the arguments.
Forming Opinions	My opinion reflects thorough and sophisticated analysis of different kinds of information from a wide variety of reliable sources.	My opinion reflects a careful analysis of information from several credible sources.	I attempt to analyze data and information, but I often misinterpret what I see.	My opinion reflects little or no analysis or understanding of information related to the issue.
Communication: Content and Clarity	I explain my opinion with strong commitment, clearly and thoroughly presenting various conflicting viewpoints and explaining their benefits and drawbacks.	I explain my opinion clearly, including all relevant information and presenting conflicting viewpoints.	Some parts of my explanation of my opinion may be confusing.	My opinion is vague and unclear.
Communication: Complexity	I accurately convey the complexity of the issue by describing the interaction of a variety of significant factors.	I accurately convey the complexity of the issue by describing a variety of significant factors.	I simplify the issue and fail to include some important points of view.	I do not address conflicting points of view.
Communication: Reasoning	The reasons for my opinion reflect sophisticated logical reasoning.	My explanation shows logical thinking.	The reasons for my opinion do not seem to be very logical.	My opinion reflects a lack of logical thinking.