Explanatory Writing Rubric
4 3
Introduction I have a hook connected to my
main idea. My main idea is
clearly stated and focused. I
included the big ideas in a logical
order to support my main idea.
Organization Each of my paragraphs contain a
different big idea. The order of
my paragraphs logically leads the
reader from one big idea to
another.
Elaboration I included a variety of supporting
details from trusted sources and
included all citations. I used
expert vocabulary that is
appropriate for the audience to
explain how my supporting
details supports my big ideas.
Transition I consistently have a variety of
transition words to connect my
main idea, big ideas, and
supporting details.
Conclusion In my conclusion, I stated my
main idea and big ideas again in
a different way. I wrote a final
thought for my readers to
consider.
Conventions I spelled correctly academic
vocabulary. I used correct
punctuation, spelling, and
capitalization throughout my
whole essay. My sentences make
sense to the reader.
2 1
I have a hook for my readers. My
main idea is clearly stated and
focused. I included big ideas to
support my main idea.
Each of my paragraphs contain a
different big idea. The order of my
paragraphs lead the reader from
one big idea to another.
I included a variety of supporting
details from trusted sources and
included all citations. I used
academic vocabulary that is
appropriate for the audience to
explain how my supporting details
supports my big ideas.
I have some variety of transitions
words to connect my main idea, big
ideas, and supporting details.
In my conclusion, I restated my
main idea and big ideas.
I spelled academic vocabulary
correctly. I frequently used correct
punctuation, spelling, and
capitalization. My sentences make
sense to the reader.
No hook. My main idea is clearly
stated, but my big ideas do not
support my main idea.
Each of my paragraphs contain a
different big idea. There is no
logical order of my paragraphs.
I included some supporting details
from sources and included some
citations. I included some
academic vocabulary to explain
how my supporting details
supports my big ideas.
I occasionally use transition words
to connect my main idea, big
ideas, and supporting details.
In my conclusion, I restated my
main idea.
I rarely spelled academic
vocabulary correctly. I used
punctuation, spelling, and
capitalization correctly in some of
my sentences. My sentences may
be confusing to reader.
No hook. My main idea is
confusing or not included.
All my big ideas are
included in one paragraph.
I included little or no
supporting details from
sources. I did not use
academic vocabulary. My
supporting details does not
support my big ideas.
I have little or no transition
words to connect my main
idea, big ideas, and
supporting details.
I have no conclusion.
My whole essay contains
inappropriate use of
punctuation and
capitalization. Most of my
words are misspelled.