Argumentative Essay Rubric
This argumentative essay rubric scores whether an argument holds up. Six criteria at four levels are written out: claim, evidence, reasoning, counterclaim and rebuttal, organization and conventions, with a score column and a total out of 24.
- Grade Level
- Grades 6 to 12
- Pages
- 1
- Formats
- PDF, Google Docs, Word
- Paper Size
- US Letter and A4
- Checked By
- Milo, Classroom Teacher
- Last Updated
- October 2026
Argumentative Essay Rubric Example
A 9th grade essay on the four-day school week, scored on the six parts of an argument.
What's in the Argumentative Essay Rubric
Six Parts of an Argument
Claim, evidence, reasoning, counterclaim and rebuttal, organization and conventions.
Four Levels Written Out
Each row describes 4 Exemplary, 3 Proficient, 2 Developing and 1 Beginning.
Comments and Total
A ruled box for your comments and a box for the total out of 24.
Editable Versions
Type into the Word, Google Docs or PDF file, in US Letter or A4, or print it.
How to Use the Argumentative Essay Rubric
Hand It Out With the Prompt
Give students the rubric with the essay prompt, so they write toward the top level from the start.
Fill In the Header
Write the student's name, the essay topic and the date at the top of the page.
Find the Claim First
Read for the claim before you score anything else, since the other rows depend on it.
Score Each Row
Mark the level that fits in every row and write its number in the Score column.
Total and Comment
Add the six scores, write the total out of 24, and note one strength and one fix in Comments.
Argumentative Essay Rubric Questions
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