Persuasive Essay Rubric

Directions: Create a five paragraph persuasive essay with a proper introductory paragraph, body with main points and supporting details, and a strong conclusion.

Attention Catcher
 
0------------------------1-----------------------2-----------------------3-----------------------4-----------------------5
Did not attempt to use attention catching technique  	Attention Catcher Present		Superb

Thesis

0------------------------1-----------------------2-----------------------3-----------------------4-----------------------5
Not present		Vague or unclear			Hinted at purpose 		Clearly Stated

Preview of Main Points

0------------------------1-----------------------2-----------------------3-----------------------4-----------------------5
Not previewed		Confusing or weak points 	Vague or unclear           Strong points clearly stated	

First Body Paragraph

0------------------------1-----------------------2-----------------------3-----------------------4-----------------------5
No point 	Breaks the golden rule or lacks at least 3 supporting details	  Clear point and good details

Second Body Paragraph

0------------------------1-----------------------2-----------------------3-----------------------4-----------------------5
No point 	Breaks the golden rule or lacks at least 3 supporting details	  Clear point and good details

Third Body Paragraph

0------------------------1-----------------------2-----------------------3-----------------------4-----------------------5
No point 	Breaks the golden rule or lacks at least 3 supporting details	  Clear point and good details

Conclusion (restatement of thesis and main points)

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Not Present			Missing thesis or restatement of main points	      		         Excellent

Conclusion (clinching statement)

0------------------------1-----------------------2-----------------------3-----------------------4-----------------------5
Not Present			Missing thesis or restatement of main points	      		         Excellent

Neatness

0------------------------1-----------------------2-----------------------3-----------------------4-----------------------5
Illegible 	      Sloppy or difficult to read		                      Presentable 	        Beautifully Done

Some Words about Persuasive Essay Structure:

	If you do not have main points, your essay will not have structure.  First, decide what you are writing about (this will be your thesis).  Then, think of three different arguments to support your thesis.  Now you can begin organizing your information underneath your three main points.
	Your essay will not be effective if you just start writing every argument you can think of in no particular order.  You need to plan first.  The time you spend planning will save you time when you are writing. 

Structure Chart:

Introduction
Attention catcher! Thesis.  Main point 1, and Main point 2, and Main point 3.  Transitioning sentence.

Body Paragraph #1
Main point #1.  Supporting details, supporting details, supporting details.  Also, more supporting details.

Body Paragraph #2
Main point #1.  Supporting details, supporting details, supporting details.  Also, more supporting details.

Body Paragraph #3
Main point #1.  Supporting details, supporting details, supporting details.  Also, more supporting details.

Conclusion
In conclusion, thesis.  Main point one, and main point two, and main point three. Clinching Statement.

	I am not grading your ideas.  I am grading your ability to put your ideas into a structured form.  By including all of the necessary parts in the correct order, you will create writing of a higher quality than if you just throw all your ideas into an unorganized list.  Readers will be able to follow your ideas and your teacher will be happy!