Persuasive Essay — What’s Next in the Fight Against Terrorism?
Rubric

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Outstanding

Successful

Suggestions for Improvement

Introduction

  
  • Clear thesis statement that expresses opinion
  • Introduction states the main points of the essay
  

 

Body

  
  • Contains 3 supporting paragraphs
  • Supporting paragraphs elaborate on points mentioned in introduction
  • Mentions opposite viewpoint and explains why this approach would be ineffective
  • Includes a quote from newspaper article to strengthen argument
  

Conclusion

  
  • Restates thesis using different words
  • Restates main points
  • Makes a strong final appeal to the reader
  

Structure

  
  • All paragraphs contain a minimum of 4 sentences
  • Uses proper sentence structure (avoid fragments and run-ons
  • Uses correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
  


Massachusetts History and Social Science Standards addressed in this assignment:

Learning Standard 1: Chronology and Cause

Students will understand the chronological order of historical events and recognize the complexity of historical cause and effect, including the interaction of forces from different spheres of human activity, the importance of ideas, and of individual choices, actions, and character.

Learning Standard 3: Research, Evidence, and Point of View

Students will acquire the ability to frame questions that can be answered by historical study and research; to collect, evaluate, and employ information from primary and secondary sources, and to apply it in oral and written presentations. They will understand the many kinds and uses of evidence; and by comparing competing historical narratives, they will differentiate fact from historical interpretation and from fiction.

Massachusetts English Language Arts Standards addressed in this assignment:

Composition: Writing

    1. Write well-organized essays that have a clear focus, logical development, effective use of detail, and variety in sentence

structure.

    1. Write coherent compositions with a clear focus, objective presentation of alternate views, rich detail, well-developed

paragraphs, and logical argumentation.

Composition: Standard English Conventions

    1. Use all conventions of standard English when writing and editing.