Name: _________________________                                                                                                                                                                   Story Title: _____________________________

 

RUBRIC FOR SCORING THE  SHORT STORY

 

 

Distinguished (or "WOW!")

A-A+

 

Proficient (or "Pretty Decent")

 B-B+

 

Satisfactory (or "Fair")

C-C+

Unsatisfactory (or "Needs A Lot of Work")

D and below

Title

Title is creative, sparks interest and is related to the story and topic.

Title is related to the story and topic.

Title is present, but does not appear to be related to the story and topic.

Missing.

Exposition

Introduction

 

 

&   Resolution

 

Creative exposition and conclusion; conflict is clearly introduced and resolved. It is very easy for the reader to understand the problem the main characters face and why it is a problem. Compelling introduction and profound conclusion; original topic sentences.

Solid exposition that uses "catchy" intro device; conflict is clearly introduced and resolved.  Narrative provides insight about the theme for the reader. It is fairly easy for the reader to understand the problem the main characters face and why it is a problem.

 

Basic needs of exposition and resolution are met though intent may not be totally clear; clear topic sentences. The reader may have learned something about the theme from the story. It is fairly easy to understand the problem the character(s) face but it is not clear why this is a problem!

Exposition and/or resolution is either too short, missing, or confusing. Topic sentences are missing or confusing. Neither the author nor the reader has learned anything about the theme. It is not clear what the problem or conflict is.

Characters

The main characters are named and clearly described in text as well as pictures. Most readers could describe the characters accurately.

The main characters are named and described. Most readers would have some idea of what the characters looked like.

The main characters are named. The reader knows very little about the characters.

It is hard to tell who the main characters are.

Dialogue

There is an appropriate amount of dialogue to bring the characters to life and it is always clear which character is speaking.

There is too much dialogue in this story, but it is always clear which character is speaking.

There is not quite enough dialogue in this story, but it is always clear which character is speaking.

It is not clear which character is speaking.

Action / Conflict

 

PLOT

 

 

There is real action in this story. Action verbs (active voice) are used to describe what is happening in the story. The story seems exciting!

There is action in the story. Several action verbs are used to describe what is happening in the story, but the word choice doesn't make the story as exciting as it could be.

A variety of verbs (passive voice) are used and describe the action accurately but not in a very exciting way.

Little variety seen in the verbs that are used. The story seems a little flat.

Setting

Many vivid, descriptive words are used to tell when and where the story took place.

Some vivid, descriptive words are used to tell the audience when and where the story took place.

The reader can figure out when and where the story took place, but the author didn't supply much detail.

The reader has trouble figuring out when and where the story took place.

The Craft: Creativity & Handling of the Theme

The story contains many creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's enjoyment. The author has really used his imagination. Gives reader dynamic impression and profound understanding of the theme; aptly uses dialogue and description to show event; creative transitions; uses similes/metaphors; explores inner qualities of author; narration adeptly; weaves essential facts and elements into narrative artfully. Excellent paragraphs.

The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's enjoyment. The author has used his imagination. Gives reader vivid picture and deep understanding of theme; sophisticated transitions; uses dialogue and description to illustrate plot; creative presentation. Good paragraphs.

The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions, but they distract from the story. The author has tried to use his imagination. Recounts event but does so in a basic, predictable and/or awkward way; little or no similes/metaphors; awkward transitions; too much telling and not enough dialogue and description. Theme is muddy. Paragraphs need work.

There is little evidence of creativity in the story. The author does not seem to have used much imagination. Uses sweeping generalizations (too much telling, not enough showing); little or no dialogue or description; missing or confusing transitions; no attempt to use similes/metaphors; theme is unfocused or confusing; paragraphs  too long, too  short, or  indented.

Requirements

All of the requirements were met. See below.

Almost all (about 90%) the requirements were met. See below.

Most (about 75%) of the requirements were met. See below.

Many requirements were not met. See below.

Effort & Improvement/Revision

Evidence of substantial time; student is working at highest potential. Student sought help in or out of class from teacher and students. Revisions obvious. Professional. Sophisticated. High level, active words are selected deliberately. There is no more than one mechanical error in the entire story. Sentence structure is varied.

Evidence of time. Student is working near highest potential; some improvement; polished presentation. Student sought help in or out of class. Revisions made. Most vocabulary is sophisticated and used properly. There are no more than 3 mechanical errors.

Adequate amount of time is evident; similar errors in previous stories; little or no improvement; neat presentation. Some revisions made. Uses simple words and takes few risks. Vocabulary is somewhat dull and/or repetitive. Narrative  is legible but contains multiple errors.

Repeated errors; class-time was not used productively; little or no time or care; sloppy; little or no revision evident. Misuses basic vocabulary. Difficult to read because of a number of distracting errors.

 

Distinguished (or "WOW!")

A-A+

 

Proficient (or "Pretty Decent") B-B+

 

Satisfactory (or "Fair")

C-C+

Unsatisfactory (or "Needs A Lot of Work")

D and below

 

REQUIREMENTS:

 

 

COMMENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADE: