Plan Make deliberate plans, reflect, and persevere in order to achieve goals.

Argue Build a case for and defend conclusions reached, based in sound logic and valid evidence.

Not Yet __ During work periods, student is off task and requires teacher redirection. ___ The assignment does not show evidence of the writing process. __ Student is unable to defend and argue her case. She provides minimal to no evidence, or the evidence that is provided is invalid or irrelevant. __ Students discussion is weak or may be missing completely. __ Student does not address the counterargument/or the counterargument is inaccurate. __ There is no thesis or the thesis is unclear. __ Introduction may be lacking the thesis and/or topic sentences, or may be missing entirely. __ Students exhibits little to no organization in the essay (which includes TIED format). She does not use appropriate transitions or they may be missing completely. _ _Student does not provide a conclusion or does not summarize the key points in her argument.

Meets Standards ___During work periods, student is on task most of the time, but may need some teacher redirection. ___ Assignment shows the use of the writing process (includes outline or graphic organizer, and drafts) ___Student is able to produce a basic argument. She develops her topic with facts, details, quotations, or other specific information from the book, but the evidence chosen could be stronger. ___Student is able to discuss her evidence and how it links and supports her thesis. __ Student is able to identify a counterargument, but needs to be more detailed in her rebuttal. __ Thesis statement is formed by rewording the prompt. __ Introduction contains a thesis and topic sentences. Readers have a clear idea of the students argument. __ Student exhibits clear organization in the essay (which includes TIED format). She uses appropriate transitions to make her writing flow more smoothly. __ Conclusion of essay clearly summarizes her thesis and the key points in her argument.

Exceeds Standards ___ During work periods, student requires no teacher redirection. ___ Assignment shows the use of the writing process (includes outline or graphic organizer, and drafts). __ Student produces an exceptionally strong argument. She uses the most effective, relevant, and persuasive facts, details, and quotations. __ Students discussion strongly links and supports her thesis statement. She shows an extremely insightful analysis of the topic. __ Student explains the counterargument and provides a clear rebuttal. __ Thesis statement is strong and in the students own words. __ Students introduction is extremely engaging, contains a thesis, and outlines her arguments clearly. __ Student exhibits clear organization throughout the entire essay (which includes TIED format). She also uses appropriate and varied transitions as a tool to persuade and aid readers in following her logic and arguments. __ Conclusion of essay is extremely engaging. Student does not simply restate thesis and topic sentences, but summarizes her argument in a creative and persuasive way.

Conclude Make ideas and information understood, mindful of audience, purpose, and setting.

Teacher Comments: