Argument Position Essay Rubric Content 15 10 5 1 90 total Introduction Well-developed introduction that engages readers and creates interest. Identifies a compelling, controversial issue/topic Contains detailed background information on said topic. Introduction creates interest. Identifies a controversial issue/topic Provides some background information. Needs minor work. Introduction is adequate, but does not catch the reader’s attention and/or does not clearly set up the purpose of the paper. Needs moderate work. . Introduction is inadequate and/or needs major work. Writer does not attempt to create interest. Background details are a random collection of information, unclear, or not related. Introduction is missing. Thesis Statement Clear thesis statement that identifies the main reasons that will support the position and direct the reader toward the point of the paper. Thesis statement is arguable and the writer takes a clear stance. Clear thesis statement is present, but may be lacking one reason or could be more engaging and/or direct. Thesis statement is arguable Thesis is vague and unclear. It requires effort on the part of the reader to discern the point of the paper and the reasons supporting your position. Thesis is not arguable Stance is unclear and vague No thesis present, or thesis is so inadequate that the point of the paper is completely unclear. Body Paragraphs Body paragraphs include a topic sentence that connects to thesis and states the main focus of paragraph Well-developed/relevant examples, details, and evidence. The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are relevant and enhance the explanation of the content. It is clear and focused, demonstrates original thought/reflection/insight. It holds the reader’s attention. The paper effectively covers the topic. Body paragraphs support thesis with examples, details, and evidence The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are relevant and adequately explain the content. It is reasonably clear and focused, and the writer goes beyond the superficial or obvious. It holds the reader’s attention. On the whole, accurate details or clear thoughts are present to support the main idea (reasons). . It effectively covers the topic. Topic Sentences are vague and unclear Body paragraphs offer adequate support to thesis, but examples, details, and support do not go far enough. The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are present, but does not enhance and/or explain the content or demonstrate thought/reflection/analysis or specifics. Lacks full development of ideas. No topic sentences present Inadequate number of major points/reasons. Body paragraphs inadequately support the thesis, and examples, details, and quotes are significantly underdeveloped. The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are weak, inadequate, or missing. . It shows no clear sense of purpose and does not reveal reflection. The text reads like a collection of ...

1. Argument Position Essay Rubric
Content
15
10
5
1
90 total
Introduction
Well-developed introduction that engages readers and creates
interest. Identifies a compelling, controversial issue/topic
Contains detailed background information on said topic.
Introduction creates interest.
Identifies a controversial issue/topic
Provides some background information.
Needs minor work.
Introduction is adequate, but does not catch the reader’s
attention and/or does not clearly set up the purpose of the paper.
Needs moderate work.
.
Introduction is inadequate and/or needs major work. Writer does
not attempt to create interest. Background details are a random
collection of information, unclear, or not related. Introduction
is missing.
Thesis Statement
Clear thesis statement that identifies the main reasons that will
support the position and direct the reader toward the point of
the paper.
Thesis statement is arguable and the writer takes a clear stance.
Clear thesis statement is present, but may be lacking one reason
or could be more engaging and/or direct.

2. Thesis statement is arguable
Thesis is vague and unclear. It requires effort on the part of the
reader to discern the point of the paper and the reasons
supporting your position.
Thesis is not arguable
Stance is unclear and vague
No thesis present, or thesis is so inadequate that the point of the
paper is completely unclear.
Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs include a topic sentence that connects to thesis
and states the main focus of paragraph
Well-developed/relevant examples, details, and evidence.
The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are
relevant and enhance the explanation of the content.
It is clear and focused, demonstrates original
thought/reflection/insight. It holds the reader’s attention.
The paper effectively covers the topic.
Body paragraphs support thesis with examples, details, and
evidence
The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are
relevant and adequately explain the content.
It is reasonably clear and focused, and the writer goes beyond
the superficial or obvious. It holds the reader’s attention. On the
whole, accurate details or clear thoughts are present to support
the main idea (reasons).
. It effectively covers the topic.
Topic Sentences are vague and unclear
Body paragraphs offer adequate support to thesis, but examples,
details, and support do not go far enough.
The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are present,
but does not enhance and/or explain the content or demonstrate
thought/reflection/analysis or specifics.
Lacks full development of ideas.
No topic sentences present

3. Inadequate number of major points/reasons. Body paragraphs
inadequately support the thesis, and examples, details, and
quotes are significantly underdeveloped.
The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are weak,
inadequate, or missing.
. It shows no clear sense of purpose and does not reveal
reflection. The text reads like a collection of disconnected
thoughts.
Counter
Argument and Rebuttal
Student clearly and fully explains, through evidence and data, at
least one to two counterargument(s) and persuasively refutes it
with a solid and supported rebuttal.
Student explains, through evidence and data at least one
counterargument and provides a rebuttal for said
counterargument with adequate support.
Student inadequately explains at least one counterargument, and
the evidence is not relative or supportive of the counterarg. The
rebuttal lacks support and evidence, and is inappropriate or
irrelevant to the counterargument.
Student fails to provide at least one counterargument and
rebuttal in the essay.
Quotations
Correctly incorporates summaries and paraphrases
All quotes are introduced and integrated seamlessly into
writing.
All quotes are thoroughly explained and analyzed.
Quotes do not dominate the writer’s voice
Uses at least three sources
Correctly incorporates summaries and paraphrases.
2-3 quotes are not introduced and integrated.
2-3 quotes are not explained and analyzed.

4. Quotes and writer’s voice are equally balanced. Uses 2 sources
Use of summary or paraphrase is vague or unclear.
4-5 quotes are not introduced and integrated
4-5 quotes are not explained and analyzed.
Quotes dominate writer’s voice
Uses 1 source
Does not summarize or paraphrase from sources
Does not attribute or explain/analyze quotes.
Uses no outside sources.
Conclusion
Powerful/moving conclusion wraps up/gives closure to the main
position of the paper, and goes beyond restating the thesis/intro.
Conclusion summarizes without repeating.
Conclusion effectively wraps up/gives closure to the main
position of the paper, and goes beyond restating the thesis/intro.
Conclusion summarizes main topics/reasons.
Conclusion only summarizes the main position and simply
restates the thesis/intro. It is adequate.
Conclusion is inadequate. It does not effectively wrap up the
paper or it is missing
Citations and Works Cited
10
7
4
1
10 total
Full and accurate works cited entries and in-text citations are
provided

5. (0-2 errors)
3-6 errors in works cited or in-text citations
7-9 errors in works cited or in-text citations
10+ errors in works cited or in-text citations
Organization
10
7
4
1
20 total
Structure
Logical progression of ideas with a clear structure that enhances
the thesis. Transitions are smooth.
Logical progression of ideas. Transitions are present throughout
the essay.
Organization is clear. Transitions are present
No discernible organization. Transitions are not present.
Style
Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong
and expressive with varied structure. Diction is consistent and
words are well chosen.
Written in a scholarly 3rd person tone
Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. Diction is
consistent.
Changes point of view once or twice.
Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. Diction is
appropriate.
Changes point of view 3+ times
Writing is confusing or hard to follow. Inappropriate
Not written in 3rd person
Mechanics/
Grammar

6. 10
6
3
1
20 total
Punctuation, spelling, capitalization , word choice, S/V; tense,
etc.
Punctuation, spelling, and capitalization are correct. No errors.
Punctuation, spelling, and capitalization are generally correct
with few errors (1-2)
A few errors in punctuation, spelling, capitalization (3-4)
Distracting errors in punctuation, spelling, and capitalization
Fragments
0-1 sentence fragments
2 fragments
3-4 fragments
5+ fragments
Comma splices and run-ons
0-1 comma splices or run-ons
2 comma splices and/or run-ons
3-4 comma splices and/or run-ons
5+ comma splices and/or run-ons
Formatting
10
6
3
1
5 total
12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, correct

7. header, double-spaced, title.
No errors
1-2 errors
3-4 errors
5+ errors
If the paper is less than 2 full pages, you will receive a zero.
If the paper is more than 2 pages but less than 3, 50 points will
be deducted.
If the paper is more than 3 pages but less than 4, 25 points will
be deducted.
Comments:
Grade: _________
Essay 2: Argument Synthesis Position
An argument synthesis draws upon evidence from a variety of
sources in an attempt to persuade others to accept a debatable
claim. This assignment requires you to use your analysis,
research, and critical thinking skills to formulate a 4-5 page
unique argumentative essay with a persuasive thesis that uses
researched evidence to support your claim.
You must develop an argument related to either the role of
technology in our society or the impact recent technological
innovations have had. The term technology can be related to a
number of topics including social media, the Internet, genetic or

8. medical technological advances, environmental technology, etc.
The intended audience is college-educated adults, who may or
may not agree with your position.
Your goal is to convince your readers to consider, if not agree,
that your angle/stance on the role or impact of technological
advances is a valid and substantial argument. To accomplish
this, you will need a clear thesis statement or claim grounded in
what you know about the rhetorical triangle, logical and valid
evidence that uses the rhetorical appeals, and a strong
organizational structure.
As this is a synthesis paper, you will also be expected to engage
with at least THREE sources from the library databases. Two of
your sources must support your position and one must offer a
counterargument to your claim or explore multiple perspectives.
Essay Structure:
· Define your issue, demonstrating your awareness that you are
entering a conversation that contains varying perspectives on
the issue.
· Make a focused claim about your issue (i.e., state an arguable
thesis that locates your stance among the competing
perspectives)
· Provide reasons that support your thesis
· Provide evidence for each of your reasons (e.g., your own
reasoning plus research)
· Anticipate objections from people with other perspectives
(counterargument)
· Provide a rebuttal that shows the flaws in the counterargument
Additional Notes:
· Your audience for this piece consists of academic readers who
may not be familiar with your outside sources. As such, they
will expect you to briefly summarize each source and to not
misrepresent the sources’ ideas.

9. · If nobody disagrees with your claim, you do not have an
argument.
· Incorporate logos, pathos, and ethos into your argument. The
best way for writers to incorporate ethos is by addressing
counter arguments and using credible sources. Additionally,
taking a reasonable stand on the issue (as opposed to an extreme
one) will also lead to more credibility.
· Include a Works Cited page with a minimum of 3 sources. You
must refer to all three sources in the paper.
· Realize that you only have 4-6 pages, so you need to pick
something very specific to focus on.
Final Draft: Sunday, August 4 by 11:59 PM
Part of the challenge of this assignment is developing your own
argument. However, here are some questions to help you
generate ideas:
· How have the ways we read and write been impacted by recent
technological inventions? What unintended consequences might
this have on our educational system, our professional lives, or
our society’s ability to compete in the global market economy?
· To what extent has communication online and via cell phone
superseded face-to-face communication? If you don’t think it
has yet, will it soon? What consequences might this have on
human relationships?
· How do we keep privacy in the computer age? Should medical
records or any records be “for sale?” How do we reconcile adult
rights with the need to protect children? Should the Internet be
regulated by the government? If so, to what extent?

10. · Christine Rosen asserts that social media has “led to a form of
‘social narcissism’” in today’s society (206). She also says that
“The screen offers us the illusion of participation, and this
illusion is becoming our preference” (207). Do you agree with
her? Why or why not?
· We live in a world where medical breakthroughs and advances
are being made on a daily basis. There are machines to detect
diseases, stem cell research, cloning, pills to enhance brain
power and concentration. Consider the ethical implications of
this research.
· Are these technologies an invasion of privacy? What are the
advantages/disadvantages?
· Should funding for stem cell or embryonic stem cells research
or cloning research and experimentation be banned or
regulated? If so, where do we draw the line?
· Should genetically modified foods be banned or regulated?
· How far should we go in using genetics to enhance human
life?
*By ethics, I do not mean religious implications. If you choose
to tackle these kinds of topics, you must move beyond the
“against nature” or “against God” arguments.
Consider the following questions:
· If the manipulation of human DNA results, intentionally or
not, in entities possessing degrees of intelligence never before
seen in, should these entities be given rights and special
protection?
· Who will have access to these technologies and how will
scarce resources—such as medical advances—be allocated?
· What, if any, health risks are associated with genetically
modified foods?
· Are there long-term effects on the environment when
genetically modified organisms are released?