Story Rubrics

4 = Exemplary (A/A+): Thoroughly developed characters, plot, structure, conflict, theme, and setting. Uses vivid description, effective diction and word choice, tone or voice, POV, imagery, and compelling dialogue throughout story. Uses a variety of effective literary devices. Writing can be considered “art,” effectively communicating issues central to the human condition. Has few errors in spelling punctuation, syntax, and usage. Work includes evidence of several revised drafts. Accomplishes writing task, but exceeds rules by working them in creatively and appropriately.

3 = Accomplished (B/B+): Well developed characters, plot, conflict, theme, and setting. Uses good description, diction, dialogue, voice, POV, imagery, etc. but work may not be as insightful or artfully constructed. Uses some literary devices, but with uneven success. 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 (more than a second draft). Accomplishes writing task, but not as adeptly as exemplary stories.

2 = Developing (C/C+): Fairly well developed characters, plot and setting, but story may have gaps. Uses some description, imagery, dialogue, voice, but with uneven success. Work suggests craft or insight into the human condition, but falls short of this goal. May use an occasional literary device, but work is abstract, too personal, clichéd, but does not lack meaning. Has errors in spelling punctuation and usage that distracts the reader. Work may be accomplished, but portfolio was late. Work includes some evidence of revision, but revision is largely in grammar and syntax, rather than restructuring. Attempts writing task, but draft falls short of the assigned goal.

1 = Beginning (D): Development of character, plot and setting is on a very basic level, although these elements are present. Uses limited description, imagery, dialogue. Work is hastily done or lacks artistic style. Does not use literary devices, or work is largely abstract, or lacks meaning. Has careless errors in spelling, punctuation, and usage. Story is incomplete. Work includes little or no evidence of revision. Work may be developing, but story was turned in late. Draft falls short of the assigned task.