Narrative Criteria Opening and Closing

The writer opens the narrative in a unique and original manner that creatively engages the reader and introduces key characters and events. The writer also closes the narrative in a memorable manner that thoughtfully ties together or reflects upon the narrated experiences or events. Uses strong words, transitional phrases, complex sentences, and creative and artistic wording (figurative language, vibrant description, clever phrases and idioms, etc.) throughout.

Level 4: Exceeding Standards

Level 3: Meeting Standards

The writer opens the narrative in a manner that creatively engages the reader and introduces key characters and events. The writer also closes the narrative in a fitting and memorable manner.

Level 2: Approaching Standards

The writer either opens the narrative in a manner that creatively engages the reader and introduces key characters and events, OR the writer closes the narrative in a fitting and memorable manner.

The narrative lacks both a sufficient opening and a sufficient closing.

Level 1: Below Standards

Word Choice

Frequently uses strong words, transitional phrases, complex sentences, and creative and artistic wording (figurative language, vibrant description, clever phrases and idioms, etc.). Grammatical conventions are usually followed with success (85% accuracy). Relevant dialogue, description (both narrative and visual), and inner thinking are used with balance throughout the narrative. The dialogue for each character is distinct.

Sometimes uses strong words, transitional phrases, complex sentences, and creative and artistic wording (figurative language, vibrant description, clever phrases and idioms, etc.).

Rarely uses strong words, transitional phrases, complex sentences, and creative and artistic wording (figurative language, vibrant description, clever phrases and idioms, etc.).

Conventions

Grammatical conventions are followed successfully (95% accuracy). Relevant dialogue, description (both narrative and visual), and inner thinking are used with balance throughout the narrative. The dialogue for each character and the narrators voice are both distinct.

Grammatical conventions are sometimes followed (75% accuracy). Relevant dialogue, description (both narrative and visual), and inner thinking are used at places in the narrative, but they are not properly balanced (one technique is too heavily relied upon). The dialogue for each character lacks distinction. The narrative is presented as a series of scenes. However, some scenes are not wellstructured and there is no clear character development from scene to scene.

Grammatical conventions are rarely followed (65% accuracy). Dialogue, visual description, and inner thinking are sparsely used (if at all). The narrative reads like the summary of a narrative rather than an actual narrative.

Narrative Technique

Pacing

The narrative presents a series of well-structured scenes that unfold naturally and logically. Each scene is clearly developed, just long enough, and creatively builds to and foreshadows future scenes. Additionally, the scenes showcase clear character development from scene to scene.

The narrative presents a series of well-structured scenes that unfold naturally and logically. Additionally, the scenes showcase clear and believable character development from scene to scene.

The narrative lacks a clear sequence of specific scenes. Many areas of the narrative are unnecessary, overlong, or underdeveloped.

Persuasive Essay
Element Organization 2 The essay is poorly organized. 4 The essay is disjointed. The beginning, middle, and/or end are unclear. The essay includes ideas or events that are off topic. 6 The essay lacks a logical flow. It is somewhat disjointed. The essay is somewhat focused. There is an audience and purpose, but the essay veers away from this sometimes. The essay includes some support/evidence, but it is not backed up with reliable sources or personal experience. The essay attempts to appeal to specific emotions. 8 The essay has a beginning, middle, and end. It has a somewhat logical flow. The essay is focused on one audience, and you have a clear purpose. 10 Essay flows in a logical manner. It has a clear beginning, middle, and end. The essay is fully focused. All information is relevant and adds to your overall argument/purpose.

Focus -Audience/ Purpose

The essay is off topic and lacks focus.

Support/ Evidence -Argument

The essay does not include any support or evidence.

Support/Evidence is weak.

The essay includes reliable support/evidence.

Your argument is fully supported with reliable support/evidence. Your argument is convincing.

Emotional Appeal

The essay does not appeal to any emotions.

The essay has weak appeal to emotion.

The essay appeals to emotions that are relevant to the authors specific audience.

Conventions

There are several convention errors.

There are many convention errors.

There are some convention errors.

There are few convention errors.

The essay appeals to emotions that are relevant to the authors specific audience. The authors argument is more convincing because of this. There are almost no convention errors.

Rubric
Student Name:_________________________________

TOTAL: ________/50 NOTES:

Informational Writing Rubric Does Not Meet (D/F) *Main idea is clear *Main idea is *States the main *Supporting stated idea but then goes details *Some supporting off topic *Very specific details information *Some important information is left out *Clear, *Introduction, *No organizations introduction, body, and *Not readable body, and conclusion conclusion *Generally clear *logical sequence sequence of of events events *Precise words *Some precise *Confusing use of *Different lengths words words of sentences *Some words are *Engaging not topic related. *Complete *Some errors in *Many errors sentences sentences, *Difficult to read *Correct punctuation, punctuation spelling or *Correct spelling grammar *Correct grammar Score: ______ Exceeds (A) Meets (B/C)

Ideas

Organization

Style

Conventions