NJSLA-A Grade 9 and NJGPA-A Argumentative Rubric

5 points

Focused response, clear understanding of task and purpose. Characteristics: a precise claim that is distinguished from alternate or opposing claims; relevant and sufficient textual evidence used in analysis of a topic to clearly support a claim; valid, sound reasoning that clearly develops claims and counterclaims; clearly explains the strengths and limitations of claims and counterclaims.

4 points

Mostly focused response, general understanding of task and purpose. Characteristics: a precise claim that is generally distinguished from alternate or opposing claims; relevant and sufficient textual evidence used in analysis of a topic to generally support a claim; sound reasoning that generally develops claims and counterclaims; generally explains the strengths or limitations of claims and counterclaims.

3 points

Basic response, some understanding of task and purpose. Characteristics: a precise claim that is somewhat distinguished from an opposing claim; relevant textual evidence used in analysis of a topic to somewhat support a claim; reasoning that somewhat develops claims and counterclaims; somewhat explains the strengths of claims or counterclaims.

2 points

Limited response, partial understanding of task and purpose. Characteristics: a claim that is partially distinguished from an opposing claim; relevant textual evidence used to partially support a claim; limited reasoning that attempts to develop a claim; attempts to explain the strengths of claims.

1 point

Minimally written response, minimal understanding of task and purpose. Characteristics: a minimal, missing, or unclear claim; minimal, missing, or unclear supporting textual evidence; minimal, missing, or unclear reasoning; minimal or no explanation of claims.

5 points

Focused response. Characteristics: introduces a claim and creates an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence; transitions that clearly link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim and reasons, evidence, and counterclaims; a concluding section that clearly supports the argument presented.

4 points

Mostly focused response. Characteristics: introduces a claim and creates an organization that generally establishes relationships among claim, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence; transitions that generally link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim and reasons, evidence, and counterclaims; a concluding section that generally supports the argument presented.

3 points

Basic response. Characteristics: introduces a claim and creates an organization that somewhat establishes relationships among claim, reasons, and evidence; transitions that somewhat link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, or clarify the relationships between claim and reasons, evidence, or counterclaims; a concluding section that somewhat supports the argument presented.

2 points

Limited response. Characteristics: attempts to introduce a claim or create an organization to establish relationships between claim and reasons; transitions that attempt to link the major sections of the text; an attempted concluding statement that partially supports the argument presented.

1 point

Minimally written response. Characteristics: a minimal or no introduction of a claim or connection between claim and reasons; minimal or no transitions to link sections of the text; a minimal or no concluding statement.

5 points

Focused response. Characteristics: establishment and maintenance of a style and tone appropriate to the audience and purpose.

4 points

Mostly focused response. Characteristics: establishment and general maintenance of a style and tone appropriate to the audience and purpose.

3 points

Basic response. Characteristics: basic establishment and maintenance of a style and tone somewhat appropriate to the purpose.

2 points

Limited response. Characteristics: attempted establishment of style or tone.

1 point

Minimally written response. Characteristics: minimal or unclear style or tone.