The Power of Persuasion: A Peek Into The Crucible and The Red Scare

5 – Above Average

4 – Meets Standards

3 – Approaching Standards

2 – Below Standards

Score

Attention Grabber

The introductory paragraph has a strong hook that is appropriate for audience.  This could be a strong statement, relevant quotation, statistic, or questions addressed to the reader.

The introductory paragraph has a hook, but it is weak, rambling or inappropriate for audience

The author has an interesting introductory paragraph but the connection to the topic is not clear.

The introductory paragraph is not interesting AND is not relevant to the topic.

Position Statement

The position statement provides a clear, strong statement of the author’s position on the topic

The position statement provides a clear statement of the author’s position on the topic.

A position statement is present, but does not make the author’s position clear.

There is NO position statement.

Focus on Thesis Statement

The thesis statement names the topic of the essay and outlines the main points to be discussed.

The thesis statement names the topic of the essay.

The thesis statement outlines some or all of the main points to be discussed but does not name the topic.

The thesis statement does not name the topic AND does not preview what is to be discussed.

Support for Position

Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence – facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences – that support the position statement.  The writer anticipates the reader’s concerns, biases or arguments and has provided at least 1 counter-argument

Includes 3 pieces of evidence – facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences – that support the position statement.

Includes 2 pieces of evidence – facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences – that support the position statement.

Includes 1 or fewer pieces of evidence – facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences – that support the position statement.

Evidence and Examples

All the evidence and examples are specific, relevant, and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author’s position.

Most of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant, and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author’s position.

At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author’s position.

Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR explained.

Accuracy

All supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.

Almost all supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.

Most supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.

Most supportive facts and statistics were inaccurately reported.

Character Development

Creates a vivid picture of the character’s life, experiences and treatment.

Creates an adequate picture of the character’s life, experiences, and treatment

Creates a simplistic picture of the character’s life, experiences, and treatment.

No picture of the

character’s life, experiences, and treatment.

Mechanics

No errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar usage

ONE or Two errors

Three to Five errors

Six or more errors

Format Times New Roman – 12 1 inch margins Double- spaced

Formal

Letter

All formatting elements are present and accurate.

ONE element is missing.

TWO elements are missing.

THREE or MORE elements are missing

Length -2 pages

Two Pages

Up to 20% Less

Up to 30% Less

More than 30% Less

Total