Assessing Argument Quality in L2 Writing: Integrating Argumentation Models and Intellectual Standards

The rubrics used in most standardized language tests for argumentative writing extensively focus on surface-level language features, while often neglecting the rigor and effectiveness of argumentation. Furthermore, the diverse argumentation models and rhetorical conventions employed by L2 writers further raise concerns about the fairness and validity of rubrics based on predetermined frameworks. Existing rubrics show considerable divergence, with many lacking a data-driven foundation and failing to incorporate input from learners and writing instructors. To address these issues, this study proposes a refined rubric that more accurately captures both the structural and substantive elements of argumentation by integrating argument models and Paul and Elder's (1999) Intellectual Standards. A five-point scale rubric was developed and validated through discourse analysis of 104 EFL argumentative essays, refined by iterative scoring-revision cycles and feedback from five L2 learners and a writing instructor. The study contributes to the development of a more comprehensive, theory-informed, and context-sensitive framework for L2 writing assessment. Supplementary Material File (preprint_assessing argument quality in l2 writing.pdf) - Download - 2.22 MB Information & Authors Information Version history Copyright This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Authors Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 379views 146downloads Citations Download citation Zihan Xu, Peiyun Liu. Assessing Argument Quality in L2 Writing: Integrating Argumentation Models and Intellectual Standards. Authorea. 28 April 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174585775.51352203/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174585775.51352203/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.