The Argument Essay Rubric

On the College Board AP English Language and Composition exam, you will complete an Argument Essay that is assessed using the following College Board guidelines. These same guidelines will be used to score the Argument Essay you write for the Argument in Writing module.

Guidelines

The rubric focuses on three categories: the thesis, the evidence and commentary, and the sophistication of the writing. Select each category to read additional information.

Thesis

Earns either a 0 or 1.
Responds to the prompt with a defensible thesis that may establish a line of reasoning; the writer clearly takes a position.

Evidence and Commentary

Earns a 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Provides relevant evidence for the thesis and provides well-developed commentary that consistently and explicitly explains the relationship between the evidence and the thesis; integrates evidence throughout. Severe grammatical and mechanical errors will not earn a score of 4 in this row.

Sophistication

Earns either a 0 or 1.
Demonstrates sophistication of thought and/or a complex understanding of the rhetorical situation. Essays can earn a score of 1 in this row by doing any of the following:

Crafting a thesis that demands nuanced consideration of textual evidence to prove – and then successfully proves it.
Situating the argument within a broader context, recognizing the implications of the argument.
Engaging concession, rebuttal, and/or refutation of other arguments relating to the thesis.
Making effective rhetorical choices that strengthen the force and impact of the student’s argument.
Utilizing a prose style that is especially vivid, persuasive, convincing, or appropriate to the student’s argument

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