Writing a Short Story
Students will write a short story that demonstrates their understanding of the stages of plot and the characteristics of a short story.
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Excellent
Exceeds standards
5 pts
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Good
Meets standards
4 pts
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Fair
Almost Meets standards
3 pts
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Poor
Not meeting standards
1 pts
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Setting
3 pts
A clear setting of time and place is developed.
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The primary setting is very vividly described with sensory details that appeals to all five senses. Word choice is sophisticated, precise and varied. Analogies, metaphors and similes are used when appropriate to effectively convey an image. The reader can imagine an excellent, and extremely vivid image of the setting based on the description provided.
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The primary setting is vividly described with some sensory details that appeals to at least three out of the five senses. Word choice is fairly precise and varied. The reader can imagine a fairly vivid image of the setting based on the description provided.
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The primary setting is described with a few sensory details. However, sensory details are primarily focused on only one to two main senses. Word choice is slightly varied and only somewhat/minimally precise. The reader can imagine a basic idea of the setting, however more detail would be beneficial.
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There is little to no detail provided about the setting. Word choice is unsophisticated, unvaried, and generic. The setting description, or lack thereof, does not inspire a vivid image of the setting in the reader's mind.
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Plot
4 pts
Student uses the main events to advance the plot of the story.
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The plot is thoroughly developed and follows a logical sequence of events that leads to an identifiable central conflict, climax, and resolution thereafter. Only relevant and important main events are included to advance the plot. The plot-line is unique, captivating and interesting.
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The plot is fairly well developed. It follows a mostly logical sequence of events that leads to a central, conflict, climax and resolution. There are some main events which occur. Most of the main events were necessary or relevant. The plot is somewhat captivating and interesting.
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The plot is somewhat developed. The sequence of events is somewhat logical, but also slightly disorganized. There is some evidence of a conflict, climax and resolution. However, there are aspects of the plot that is not fully developed and leaves the reader with some questions. Main events are not necessarily important or relevant. The plot is mildly interesting or captivating.
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The plot is poorly developed. The sequence of events is not logical, disorganized and confusing. A proper, relevant, conflict, climax and/or resolution is lacking. The reader is left with many questions. Main events are not important or are irrelevant.The plot is not interesting or captivating.
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Theme
2 pts
There is an underlying theme or moral to be learned present in the story
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The story presents a profound, meaningful, underlying theme. The theme is sophisticated and inspires development of character/virtue. For example: "Persistence and hard work leads to success."
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The story presents a somewhat meaningful, underlying theme. The theme is somewhat sophisticated and inspires development of character/virtue. For example: "Treat others with respect."
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The story presents a simplistic underlying theme. For example: "Do not trust strangers"
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A meaningful theme is lacking or unapparent. The plot does not develop the theme sufficiently.
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Conflict
2 pts
The central conflict revolves around the theme and is meaningful.
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A complex, meaningful conflict is present. The conflict clearly revolves around and is relevant to the theme. The conflict and related plot events clearly elicit this theme.
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A meaningful conflict is present. The conflict somewhat revolves around and is relevant to the theme. The conflict and related plot events make the theme somewhat apparent.
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The conflict hints at the main theme. However, it does not thoroughly, nor appropriately conveys that theme. (Misinterpretations of the conflict's association with the theme is likely.)
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The conflict is unrelated to the theme. The conflict is simplistic.
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Evidence of Revision & Proofreading
1 pts
Student demonstrates careful attention to rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and revision of ideas.
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Student demonstrates significant, careful, thoughtful evidence of proofreading. Story contains few, minor errors in spelling, punctuation, and/or grammar.
Significant, thoughtful changes between drafts is apparent. All materials throughout the writing process are present.
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Student demonstrates significant evidence of proofreading. Story contains few errors in spelling, punctuation, and/or grammar.
Some changes between drafts is apparent. All or most of the materials throughout the writing process are present.
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Student demonstrates some evidence of proofreading. Story contains some errors in spelling, punctuation, and/or grammar.
Minor changes between drafts is apparent. Some materials throughout the writing process are missing.
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Student demonstrates little evidence of proofreading. Story contains many errors in spelling, punctuation, and/or grammar. There is little to no evidence of changes between drafts. Several materials from the writing process are missing.
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