Creative Writing Rubric

4 = Exemplary
3 = Accomplished
2 = Developing
1 = Beginning

Exemplary: Thoroughly developed and thought provoking characters, plot, structure, conflict, theme, and setting. Title and structure is thoughtful revealing important themes or symbolic ideas. Opening of story hooks and interests reader. Author uses vivid and artistically appropriate description, voice, POV, imagery, and compelling dialogue that reveals characterization or moves plot (if appropriate). Has few errors in spelling punctuation, syntax, and usage. Work includes evidence of several revised drafts. Uses lab and class time to full extent to complete writing projects.

Accomplished: Well developed characters, plot, conflict, theme, and setting. Title and structure is appropriate for the story. Opening of story is appropriate to hook the reader. Author uses good description and dialogue, voice, POV, imagery, etc. Has some errors in spelling, punctuation, and usage but nothing that gets in the way of the reader’s ability to discern meaning. Work includes evidence of some revision. Usually uses lab and class time but may occasionally be off-task.

Developing: Fairly well developed characters, plot and setting, conflict and theme is present but not compelling as "accomplished or exemplary writers", but piece may have gaps. title and structure is okay, but does not necessarily reveal insight. Uses some description or dialogue, but with uneven success. Has errors in spelling punctuation and usage that distracts the reader. Work may be accomplished, but story was late. Work includes some evidence of revision (drafts), but revision is largely in grammar and syntax, rather than restructuring. Uses lab and class time sometimes, but often is off topic or surfing the internet for unrelated materials.

Beginning: Development of character, plot and setting, conflict, theme, etc. is on a very basic level, although these elements are present. Story is untitled or structure lacks creativity or insight. Uses limited description and dialogue. Author has careless errors in spelling, punctuation, and usage. Work includes little or no evidence of revision. Story may be developing, but work was turned in late. Story is largely incomplete or undeveloped. Student does not use lab or class time effectively, often off task or disruptive.