Personal Memoir Rubric

Category Introduction

4
The introduction is inviting. It grabs the reader's attention and compels him/her to read further. Engaging lead/hook. There is one clear, wellfocused conflict/problem to be resolved. Author uses dialogue, action, and descriptions to show not tell the story.

3
The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader. Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general. More detail needed to "show not tell" the story.

The introduction states the There is no clear introduction main topic, but does not of the main topic or structure adequately preview the of the paper. structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader. Main idea is somewhat The main idea is not clear. clear but there is a need for There is a seemingly random more supporting collection of information. information. Author mostly tells the story instead of showing it.

Content

Organization

Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.

Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting. The writer seems to be drawing on knowledge or experience, but there is some lack of ownership of the topic. Evidence of emerging voice engaging the reader.

Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader.

Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized.

Voice

The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience. The author develops his voice through word choice and sentence structure creating interest for the reader. Author successfully "stalks her dragon!" All sentences sound natural and are easy-onthe-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear and has an obvious emphasis.

The writer relates some of his own knowledge or experience, but it adds no personal interest to the topic through word choice or sentence structure.

The writer has not tried to transform the information in a personal way. The ideas and the way they are expressed seem to belong to someone else.

Fluency

Almost all sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand.

Most sentences sound natural and are easy-onthe-ear when read aloud, but several are stiff and awkward or are difficult to understand.

The sentences are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand.

Conventions

Paper has fewer than 2 minor mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling errors

Paper contains 3-5 mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling errors; does not prevent the reader from easily reading the piece The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends. The "so what" a bit clich.

Paper contains three or more errors per page; errors are frequent and distracting

Essay is barely readable because there are so many errors

Conclusion (Organization)

The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader understanding the focus of the writers topic. The "so what" of the narrative is creative and original.

The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends.

There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends.