CMN 321 Essay Rubric

As the syllabus indicates, you are expected to produce two papers from a total of five
prompts throughout the semester. These essays normally have a similar format: you are expected
to define a concept, provide examples of how it was used in the given speech and explain why
the concept was used persuasively in the speech. When writing your paper, please use this rubric
to guide you.
Note that this is only a guide. When grading, these are the principles we keep in mind.
Having two categories at A caliber, one at B caliber and one at C caliber does not mean
the paper is an A. Grading is holistic, and this should be treated as a set of guidelines for you
to write a stronger paper.
A Papers
Definition: An A paper defines the concept by referring to class lecture and all relevant
readings (note that there are not always readings to draw from). The definition explains in detail
how the concept works, explaining all relevant components of the definition and integrating them
into the larger argument of the paper.
Examples: An A paper clearly follows instructions, finding examples that fit the concept. The
examples are quoted from the text and are very well explained, with the paper pointing out how
the concept is used within the quoted text. The example section references the definition section
and the context of the speech (if relevant).
Persuasiveness: An A paper explains how and why the examples used were persuasive. The
paper does so by using rhetorical devices and specifically discusses the historical context. Papers
that bring in rhetorical devices and speech obstacles here do so when relevant, and thoroughly
explain their arguments.
Prose: An A paper has flawless nearly flawless prose, with strong organization. The paper
features an introduction and conclusion, thesis, previews the major points, has transition
statements and cites all appropriate text.
B Papers
Definition: A B paper defines the concept by referring to class lecture or relevant readings, but
not both. The definition is elaborated upon, but critical details are missing and there are still
questions as to how the concept works with the speech.
Examples: A B paper finds examples that fit the concept. The examples are quoted from the
text, but the quotations are either choppy or too extensive. The examples are well explained, but
more elaboration is needed. The example section references the definition section, but only
briefly.

Persuasiveness: A B paper explains how and why the examples were used persuasively, but
may be missing the specific rhetorical devices or a discussion of context. The paper still manages
to make a clear and convincing argument based on the argument made, drawing upon the lecture.
Prose: A B paper is well written, but there are minor problems with organization or minor
grammatical issues. There are no systemic writing problems in the paper. Citation is messy or
incomplete, but present.
C Papers
Definition: A C paper defines the concept being used, but the definition is cursory and lacks
substantial detail. The section is short and barely draws from the lecture or the readings at all,
and barely discusses how the concept works in the speech.
Examples: A C paper finds examples that fit the concept. The examples are quoted, but the
quotations are either choppy or too extensive. The examples are not well explained, and the
analysis of the speech and how the concept is utilized is lacking. The example section does not
reference the definition adequately.
Persuasiveness: A C paper explains how and why the examples were used persuasively, but
only relies on lecture and speaks vaguely about persuasiveness. The argument has merit, but
lacks appropriate depth.
Prose: A C paper is reasonably well written, but there is a systemic problem with either
organization or grammar. The problem does not distract from the essays ability to communicate
an argument to the reader. The paper makes no conscious effort to cite.
D Papers
Definition: A D paper defines the concept being used, but the definition lacks any substantial
detail. The section is short, often one line, and draws no material at all from either lecture or
readings. The paper does not discuss how the concept works in the speech.
Examples: A D paper finds at least one example that fits the concept. One or both examples
are general, with no direct quotations. The examples are poorly explained, and the analysis of the
speech and how the concept is used is either lacking or nonexistent. The example section does
not reference the definition.
Persuasiveness: A D paper explains how the example was used persuasively, but speaks
vaguely about persuasion and makes generalized statements with no support from evidence. The
argument lacks merit.
Prose: A D paper is not well written, with more than one systemic problem with organization
or grammar. The problems distract form the essays ability to communicate an argument, but the
essay is still legible. The paper is not only missing citations, but quotations.

F Papers
Note: all papers that are off topic will receive a grade of F.
Definition: In an F paper, the concept is either not defined, or defined incorrectly. The
definition lacks any grounding in lecture or readings and does not discuss how the concept works
in the speech.
Examples: An F paper is either missing an example that fits the concept, or the examples do
not fit. The examples are not quoted and are poorly explained, using only generalizations about
the speech.
Persuasiveness: An F paper does not explain how the concept was used persuasively, or speaks
about the general persuasive nature of the speech without addressing the concept. The paper
makes no attempt to support the claim with evidence and the argument lacks merit.
Prose: An F paper is poorly written, with systemic problems with organization and grammar.
The reader has to struggle to understand the argument being communicated by the paper, and the
essay merely flirts with legibility. There are no attempts to either cite or quote in the paper.