Writers Name:________________________________

4 Advanced
Clear and significant claim
about a topic or issue is
introduced. Accurately
distinguishes the claim from
alternate or opposing claims.
The reasons and evidence are
organized logically.
Significant support of
claim(s) with logical
reasoning and relevant,
accurate data and evidence
that demonstrate an
understanding of the topic or
text, using superior sources.

3 Proficient
Understandable claim about
a topic or issue is introduced.
Somewhat distinguishes the
claim from alternate or
opposing claims. Reasons
and evidence are organized
adequately.
Adequate support of claim(s)
with logical reasoning and
essential data and evidence
that demonstrate an
understanding of the topic or
text, using mostly credible
sources.

2 Basic
Main claim about a topic or
issue is unclear or vague.
Distinguishes the claim from
alternate or opposing claims
limitedly. Reasons and
evidence are sometimes
unclear or inaccurate.
Seldom supports claim(s)
with vague reasoning and
unclear data and evidence
that demonstrate a minimal
understanding of the topic or
text, using somewhat credible
sources.

Integrate and Cite Sources

WHST.6-8.8

Properly assesses the

credibility and accuracy of
each source. Always quotes
or paraphrases the data and
conclusions of others while
avoiding plagiarism. Clearly
follows a standard format for
citation (footnotes preferred).

Adequately assesses the

credibility and accuracy of
each source. Sometimes
quotes or paraphrases the
data and conclusions of
others while mostly avoiding
plagiarism. To some degree
follows a standard format for
citation (footnotes preferred).

Limitedly/minimally assesses
the credibility and accuracy
of each source. Seldom
quotes or paraphrases the
data and conclusions of
others while rarely avoiding
plagiarism. Sometimes
follows a standard format for
citation (footnotes preferred).

Conclusion
WHST.6-8.1e

Clearly provides a
concluding statement or
section that follows from and
supports the argument
presented.
Properly establishes and
maintains a formal style.

Adequately provides a
concluding statement or
section that follows from and
supports the argument
presented.
Adequately establishes and
maintains a formal style.

Concluding statement or
section that follows from and
supports the argument
presented is somewhat
unclear or improper.
Minimally establishes and
maintains a formal style.

Thesis/Main Claim &

Introduction
WHST.6-8.1a

Use supporting evidence

and develop claims
WHST.6-8.1b

Formal style
WHST.6-8.1d
Reviewers Comments
(See reverse side)

1 Below Basic
Improper or unclear claim
about a topic or issue is
introduced. Distinguishing
the claim from alternate or
opposing claims lacking. The
reasons and evidence are
rarely or never organized.
Rarely or never supports
claim(s) with logical
reasoning and relevant,
accurate data and evidence
that demonstrate no or limited
understanding of the topic or
text, using random sources or
none at all.
Rarely assesses the credibility
and accuracy of each source.
Inadequately quotes or
paraphrases the data and
conclusions of others while
no attempt to avoid
plagiarism is apparent. Does
not follow a standard format
for citation (footnotes
preferred).
A concluding statement or
section that follows from and
supports the argument is
inappropriate or lacking.
Formal style is unclear or
limited.

Argumentative Writing Rubric - Social Studies