Persuasive/ Argumentative Essay Rubric (Middle and High School ESL ELLs)

This rubric consists of 5 grading criteria: Structure, Quotation and Elaboration, Position and Support, Quality of Language & Mechanics and Resources.

I've used this for my high school ENL students for our Persuasive Essay Unit, and the detailed descriptions of each criteria allow students to know my expectations, and understand their strengths and weaknesses. This rubric would be useful for you if you expect your students to:

1. write an organized essay with introduction (hook, background information and thesis statement), supporting body paragraphs, counter-argument, refutation and conclusion

2. find evidence from credible resources to support their writing

3. quote and elaborate citations

The Quality of Language & Mechanics criterion, which aligned with the New York State NYSESLAT writing rubric, is especially designed for English learners.