Informative-Explanatory

Writing Rubric Terms

Introduction• The beginning of a piece of writing

that introduces the main idea or topic

• Lets the reader know what the essay will be about

Body• The “meat” of the essay that fully

explains the controlling idea• Should include much detail about the

controlling idea

Conclusion• The ending that wraps up the writing

and brings it to a close• Should restate the controlling idea

and main point

Tone/Voice• The underlying attitude that is

present in written work• For example: friendly, formal, light-

hearted, serious…

Organization• Making the ideas flow in a logical

order• All of the ideas presented in your

essay are connected and you writing moves smoothly from one idea to another

Content• The ideas and opinions that are

present in written work• The information that is used to

create a written work

Vivid• Having much detail to allow the

reader to visualize what is being read

• Using wording and phrasing that “paints a picture” in the mind of the reader

Precise• To be very exact in your writing• Using phrasing that aids the reader

in understanding• Do not be vague (unclear)

Controlling Idea(aka – central idea, main idea)

• The main idea that the author is trying to get across to the reader

• What the writing is about

Transitional Devices• Statements or wording used to shift

to a new point or topic• For example:

– Shortly after, the government…– Overall, the use of animal testing…– Following his lead, the rest of the school…

Development• Writing in a logical order and building

up to the controlling idea

Phrasing• How a sentence is worded• The word choice used to make a

point– Shut the door vs. Slammed the door

Awareness of Audience• Knowing who your readers will be (teachers, peers, adults, principal, parent, etc…)• Using appropriate wording to appeal

to the readers

Conventions• Make sure your

writing has correct:– Spelling– Punctuation– Capitalization– Grammar

Statement of Purpose/Focus

• States what you are writing about

• Responds to the topic/writing prompt in its entirety

Elaboration• Explaining in detail so that the reader understands what you are trying to say

• All the facts you state in your essay to support your controlling idea

• Sometimes, the writer may wantto explain the same topic multipleways to allow the reader to better understand