1. Name: Period: Date: CATEGORYAbove Standard Meets Standard Approaching Standard Below Standard Score Focus or Thesis Statement (Intro) 60 points The thesis statement names the topic of the essay and position, and outlines at least 3 main points to support position. The thesis statement names the topic of the essay and position, and gives some supporting points. The thesis statement outlines some or all of the main points to be discussed but does not name the topic/position. The thesis statement does not name the topic /position AND does not preview what will be discussed. ___ 60 Support for Position (Body) 90 points 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 or more 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. No consideration of bias or counter arguments. Includes 1 or fewer pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences). ___ 90 Transitions 45 points A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected Transitions show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety Some transitions work well, but some connections between ideas are fuzzy. The transitions between ideas are unclear OR nonexistent. ___ 45 Closing Paragraph 60 points The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer's position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing paragraph. The conclusion is recognizable. The author's position is restated within closing paragraph. Conclusion is somewhat recognizable but position is not clearly restated. There is no conclusion - the paper just ends OR the conclusion is unrecognizable. ___ 60 Grammar & Spelling 45 points Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Author makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Author makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Author makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. ___ 45 Persuasive Essay : To Drop or Not to Drop the Atomic Bomb

2. CATEGORYAbove Standard Meets Standard Approaching Standard Below Standard Score Opening Statement 120 points The opening statement clearly states position and outlines the main points to be discussed. Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement. The opening statement states position and most points to be discussed. Includes 3 pieces of evidence that support position. The opening statement outlines some of the main points to be discussed and/or some evidence to support position. The opening statement may outline some of the main points to be discussed but gives little or no evidence to support position. ___ 120 Rebuttal Argument & Questions 90 points Debater addresses concerns, biases or arguments and provides at least 2 counter-arguments. Debater addresses concerns, biases or arguments and provides at least 1 counter-arguments. Debater may try to address concerns, biases or arguments but provides poor counter- arguments. Debater doesn’t address concerns, biases or arguments and provides no/poor counter-arguments. ___ 90 Closing Statement 60 points The closing is strong and leaves the audience solidly understanding the speaker's position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing. The closing is recognizable. The speaker's position is restated within the first two sentences of the closing. The speaker's position is restated within the closing, but not near the beginning or is unclear. There is no closing or the closing statement is very unclear ___ 60 Professional Attitude, Courtesy, & Clear/projected Voice 30 points Speaker makes no errors in professional speaking that distract the audience. Speaker makes 1-2 in professional speaking that distract the audience. Speaker makes 3-4 errors in professional speaking that distract the audience. Speaker makes more than 4 errors in professional speaking that distract the audience. ___ 30 Debate: To Drop or Not to Drop the Atomic Bomb Name: Period: Date: