SJCS Writing Handbook

Formal Tone and Style

Writing maintains a formal and objective tone throughout. Writing attempts to maintain a formal and objective tone.

Writing contains some informal elements (e.g., contractions).

Informal language present throughout.

Mechanics

Mechanics reflect careful editing.

A couple errors present, but they do not distract. Mechanical errors distract from the narrative at times.

Distracting mechanical errors throughout.

Source: Tucker, C. (2012). Blended Learning in Grades 4–12: Leveraging the Power of Technology to Create Student-Centered Classrooms. Corwin Press.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY RUBRIC High School

Establishes the writer’s ethos by: giving a framework of what to expect (purpose) avoiding punctuation, capitalization, spelling, etc. errors

Introduction

Exhibits an understanding of the Rhetorical Situation by: addressing the audience's knowledge level, concerns, values, potential biases including background information

Position / Thesis

Organization

Takes a clear, debatable position (stance) on a specific issue

Creates a strong, focused structure that leads readers through the argument: introduces a defensible claim in each topic sentence connects claims to position through synthesis includes sucient evidence to support and strengthen each claim avoids common errors in reasoning (logical fallacies)

Skillfully addresses significant counterclaims: maintains credibility (ethos) by acknowledging opposing arguments presents potential objections and eectively refutes them in support of position oers concessions and/or uses qualifiers with reasonable tone