Writing an Outstanding PBAT

The Guide

From the NY Performance Assessment Network's Social Studies PBAT Rubric. 
Click on the hyperlinks below to find helpful tools to make your paper outstanding...

Performance Indicators	Outstanding
Viewpoint:Thesis/Claim	Has sharply defined, compelling organizing idea, thesis or question. Clear introduction presents thesis in a highly engaging, compelling manner. Coherent, complex, sophisticated argument supports organizing idea/thesis.
Evidence and Sources	Supporting arguments include specific, relevant, accurate and verifiable, and highly persuasive evidence, drawn from both primary and secondary sources. Uses quotations and paraphrasing appropriately to sustain an argument.
Analysis and Persuasion	Argument draws on, explains, and critiques evidence from alternative points of view. Clearly, thoughtfully, and thoroughly explains and analyzes the connection between all evidence and argument being made.
Effective Organization	Each argument clearly flows in support of an overall structure. Consistent, effective transitions develop ideas and arguments logically& build to a compelling, persuasive conclusion. Distinct conclusion synthesizes arguments that support idea/general thesis.
Understanding of Implications and Context	Arguments, ideas, and voice reflect a highly informed awareness of the large historical, political, or cultural context surrounding questions addressed in the paper. Broader implications of the central arguments are presented and thoroughly explored.
Strong, Engaged Student Voice	Confident, highly fluid writing style; lively, engaging, articulate language. Paper ha distinct, individual voice that serves to develop and further the argument throughout. *
Conventions (for writing task only)	Grammar and punctuation nearly flawless. Appropriate and consistent documentation of accessible sources (complete, well organized bibliography and citations).
Presentation (for oral component only)	Communicates clear understanding of the paper’s ideas and arguments in an appropriate, consistently sophisticated way that demonstrates ownership of work. Presentation and response to questions reflect the coherence and depth of the paper. Answers questions accurately, thoughtfully, and effectively, developing new idea when they are appropriate. Presents relevant evidence that may not have appeared in the paper.