Rubric and Feedback

Element

Definition

Claim/
Counterclaim

A claim is an opinion, or point of view, that the author wants others to understand and accept. Good claims should be specific, debatable, defensible, and significant or meaningful to the audience.

A counterclaim is opposed to the writer’s claim, and is followed by a reason, and/or reasoning that explains why the writer believes the counterclaim to be incorrect or not as strong their claim.

Evidence

Evidence are facts or details that a writer uses to show why the claim is true or valid. Evidence can include statistics, quotations, or examples. Each reason should include evidence in support.

Reasoning

Reasoning are statements that link evidence back to reasons or claims. Reasoning should clearly explain why the evidence is relevant.

Coherence

A piece of writing should have a clear and coherent organization to show how all the ideas are connected. Ideas should be clearly grouped and flow easily from one group of ideas to another. This includes:

1. An introduction that shows what the writer will explain in the piece of writing.
2. A conclusion that restates the claim in a different way.
3. Transitions between ideas, especially between paragraphs and between elements of the argument (claim, reasons, evidence, reasoning).

Audience Appeal

Writers should choose language that is appropriate to their audience and purpose. They should have a clear style and tone that matches their purpose. Sentences should be varied to support meaning and purpose.

The writer should use correct and conventional grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling.