COUNTERARGUMENT RUBRIC
4
Thesis/Argument • The thesis statement is
in the form of a
declarative sentence
that clearly and
concisely states the
author’s main point
Concession
• Concession
acknowledges
multiple, relevant
opposing points
• Qualifying language is
effective
Rebuttal
• An effective rebuttal
which refutes the terms
introduced in the
concession is present
• Valid, reliable
evidence is given as
support
• The explanation of
claims and evidence is
thorough and
insightful
• Sources are identified
when applicable
Cohesion
• Effective use of varied
syntax
• Effective use of
synonyms and
repetition (words,
phrases, and ideas)
• Effective and varied
use of transitions
• Clear pronoun
references
• Effective use of pacing
Spelling/
Grammar
• Demonstrates an
adequate command of
conventions:
o Adequate use of
correct sentence
formation,
punctuation,
capitalization,
grammar usage, and
spelling
o Errors are minimal
or not present
3
2
• The thesis statement is
• The thesis statement is
in the form of a
in the form of a
declarative sentence and
declarative sentence
states an argument,
but states a weak or
which may be too
incomplete argument.
broad.
• Concession
• All opposing points
acknowledges multiple
acknowledged in the
opposing points, though
concession are
some are less relevant;
irrelevant or
may not acknowledge
superficial
enough opposing points • Qualifying language is
• Qualifying language is
missing at times;
present but lapses may
inconsistent.
exist
• A rebuttal which refutes • A rebuttal is made
the terms introduced in
which refutes the terms
the concession is
introduced in the
present but has lapses in
concession but has
effectiveness or
lapses in effectiveness
reasoning
and reasoning
• Valid or reliable
• Evidence given lacks
evidence is given as
validity and reliability
support
• Explanation of claims
• Explanation of claims
and evidence is present
and evidence is present
but is vague or
but lacks thoroughness
truncated
and/or insight at
• Sources are not
moments
identified when
• Sources are identified
applicable
when applicable
• Effective use of varied
• Use of varied syntax
syntax may be
has lapses and/or is
inconsistent
ineffective
• Effective use of
• Effective use of
synonyms and repetition
synonyms and
(words, phrases, and
repetition (words,
ideas)
phrases, and ideas) is
inconsistent
• Effective use of
transitions
• Effective use of
transitions is
• Clear pronoun
inconsistent
references
• Clear pronoun
• Effective use of pacing
references are
may be inconsistent
inconsistent
• Use of pacing has
lapses and/or is
inconsistent
• Demonstrates a partial • Demonstrates little or
command of
no command of
conventions:
conventions:
o Limited use of correct
o Infrequent use of
sentence formation,
syntax, punctuation,
punctuation,
capitalization,
capitalization,
grammar usage, and
grammar usage, and
spelling
spelling
o Errors are present
o Errors are present but
and occasionally
do not interfere with
interfere with
content
content
RCD ELA 11 Unit 2 Task 2; modified 6.23.15
1
• The thesis statement
may be in the form of a
declarative sentence a
clear argument is not
present.
• No concession is
present or concession
is incomprehensible
• Lacks qualifying
language
• No rebuttal is present,
or rebuttal is
incomprehensible or
highly incomplete
• Syntax is not varied
• Limited or nonexistent
use of synonyms and
repetition (words,
phrases, and ideas)
• Limited or nonexistent
use of transitions
• Limited or nonexistent
use of clear pronoun
references
• Limited or nonexistent
use of pacing
• Unintelligible
• Errors disrupt content