CLAIM-SUPPORT-EXPLAIN RUBRIC
EXPLANATORY WRITING
Statement of
Purpose/Focus
Claim (Main idea
statement, topic,
controlling idea)
5
4
2
1
The main idea is clearly
stated as the topic
sentence or controlling
idea of the writing
The main idea is stated
as the topic sentence or
controlling idea of the
writing
There is no claim,
controlling idea, or topic
sentence written.
Support (Evidence used
to back up the Claim)
There is more than
enough evidence,
supporting details, or
data to back up the
Claim
There is a complete
explanation of the
supporting details that
make the writing “stick
together” and make
sense (be fluent).
There are few, if any,
errors in conventions.
Minor errors or
oversights in
conventions.
There is enough
evidence to support the
claim so that meaning is
clear.
An attempt at writing a
topic sentence or
controlling idea is made,
but the meaning is
unclear.
There is a minimal
attempt at supporting
evidence to the claim.
There is an adequate
amount of explanation
of the supporting
evidence.
There is a minimal
amount of explanation
of the supporting
evidence.
There are no apparent
explanations of
supporting details.
There are more than 2 3 errors in conventions.
No meaning is lost.
There are more than 4-6
errors in conventions.
Meaning is lost.
The meaning is unclear
and there are more than
6-7 errors that meaning
is totally lost.
Explain (The
explanation of the
supporting details that
make the writing “stick
together” and make
sense (be fluent).
Conventions (Spelling,
Punctuation, Capitals,
Grammar)
Name: _________________________________
There is no supporting
evidence.
Name: _________________________________
Descriptive Criteria
Communicates philosophy of education clearly, demonstrates
philosophy in a creative fashion, elaborates and extends beyond
requirements of the assignment.
Points
Possible
25
Complete; all bulleted items addressed in a clear fashion. – with claim, 50
support, and explanation.
Creative, unique, colorful; followed directions;
25
Claim - The main idea is clearly stated as the topic sentence or
5 x 5 = 25
controlling idea of the writing
Support - There is more than enough evidence, supporting details,
or data to back up the Claim - Evidence that is research based
Explain - There is a complete explanation of the supporting details
that make the writing “stick together” and make sense (be fluent).
Conventions - (Spelling, Punctuation, Capitals, Grammar)
Total
Comments:
5 x 5 = 25
5 x 5 = 25
5 x 5 = 25
200
Points
Earned