Essay Rubric

Write a persuasive essay of five or more paragraphs responding to the topic:

“Freedom isn’t free. It passes on an enormous debt to the recipient.”

Use the rubric below as a guideline for the essay.

4 Points:

There is a clear topic sentence.
The content is easy to follow with clear, concise sentences.
There are five or more paragraphs in the essay.
Supporting details are provided using statistics, examples or evidence.
The argument is logical.
The writer avoids a first or second-person point of view.
Opposing arguments are refuted.
The writer takes a clear stand on the issue.
The writer concludes with a logically reasonable statement of what the reader should think.
The writer shows an understanding of both points of view.
Writing mechanics do not interfere with the content of the essay.
The essay makes clear reference to two or more Core Democratic Values.
The essay includes the idea of philanthropy as a duty of citizenship.

3 Points:

The writer takes a clear, logical stance on the issue. Many of the requirements are completed.

2 Points:

The writer takes a stance on the issue but does not support the argument with sufficient evidence. Many of the requirements are missing from the essay.

1 Point:

The writer’s point of view is not clear or has not been supported. Only a few of the requirements have been included.

0 Points:

The writer does not attempt the task.