iRubric: Writing a Dystopian Short Story rubric

Student firmly establishes all characters in the narrative with a mix of dialogue, inner monologue, physical description and/or actions taken in the story. There is a clear protagonist and antagonist. The antagonist also drives the conflict.

Student establishes most characters in the narrative with a mix of dialogue, inner monologue, physical description, and/or actions taken in the story. There is a clear protagonist and/or antagonist. The antagonist is somewhat connected with the conflict of the story.

Student attempts to establish some characters by trying to use dialogue, physical description, inner monologue, and/or actions taken in the story, but there is a lot of confusion some of the characters’ traits. There may not be a clear protagonist and/or antagonist. The antagonist could be connected to the conflict, but it isn’t clear.

Student shows no attempt to develop the characters in the narrative by any means. The characters seem to be simply planted into the narrative with no cause or purpose. The conflict is muddled and is not connected to the antagonist. There is no recognizable protagonist or antagonist.

It is very easy for the
reader to understand the
problem the main
characters face and why
it is a problem. Plot focuses on the character's conflict with dystopian elements.

It is easy for the reader to understand the problem the main characters face and why it is a problem. Plot partly focuses on the character's conflict with dystopian elements.

It is fairly easy for the
reader to understand
the problem the main
characters face but it is
not clear why it is a
problem. Conflict is largely unrelated to the dystopian nature of the story.

It is not clear what
problem the main
characters face. Conflict is unrelated to the dystopian nature of the story.

Sentences are skillfully written, original, and interesting, showing variety and building understanding. The writer effectively
uses many different
literary devices
(symbols, flashbacks,
foreshadowing, etc.)

Sentences are varied, but some should flow more smoothly. The writer uses many different literary devices
(symbols, flashbacks,
foreshadowing, etc.)

A better variety of sentences is needed; many sentences do not read smoothly. Some run-on sentences. The writer uses some
literary devices
(symbols, flashbacks,
foreshadowing, etc.)

Many short or incomplete sentences should be combined to keep the writing from being choppy;or, run-on sentences. Most sentences need to be rewritten. The writer uses few literary devices (symbols, flashbacks, foreshadowing, etc.)