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iRubric: Creative Fiction: Genre Writing rubric

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Creative Fiction: Genre Writing 
Plan: This rubric is designed to evaluate a semester ending short story that students create for a multi-grade high school (10, 11, 12) Creative Writing class. Students are expected to meet requirements that exemplify the skills learned in class to create a compelling and well-organized fictional narrative. The rubric is in regards to MLA written forms of English, as well as respecting privacy and copyright law when working with creative works meant for submission.
Rubric Code: JXAXX63
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 9-12

Powered by iRubric Creative Fiction: Genre Writing
  Above Average

4 pts

Average

3 pts

Below Average

2 pts

Needs Imrovement

1 pts

Organization

Sequencing

Above Average

The short story is exceptionally put together, with every word in the story exceptionally crafted for a clearly explained purpose used to advance the plot, narrative or characters.
Average

The short story is pieced in a way that is consistent and competent. Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting.
Below Average

The short story is poorly pieced together, with only a vague attempt at consistency. Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader.
Needs Imrovement

The short story is haphazardly pieced together, with little to no regard for consistency. Many details are not in a logical or expected order.
Plot

Above Average

There is a clear story flow, with plot, character and narrative elements being referenced to advance key points in the story. Transitions are used to effectively keep the story moving.
Average

There is a clear story flow that is clear and consistent. Transitions are used to keep the story moving.
Below Average

There are some events that indicate story flow, but only two or less are present. Some transitions are used, but seem awkward.
Needs Imrovement

There are no events indicating story flow. There are few or no transitions.
Characterization

Above Average

Characters are exceptionally developed and behave exactly as they are characterized as evidenced by clearly demonstrated actions and events within the narrative.
Average

Characters are reasonably developed and behave consistent to their characterization.
Below Average

Characters are flat, but generally consistent. Some actions seem random/
Needs Imrovement

Characters are flat and non-consistent. There actions seem random and not supported.
Narrative

Above Average

The plot not only follows a logical sequence of events, but is developed in such a way that demonstrates a level of commitment for quality writing.
Average

The plot is logical, and attempts to develop key plot points and events addressed within the story.
Below Average

The plot proceeds logically, but suffers from inconsistent narrative proceeding.
Needs Imrovement

The plot does not proceed logically or even attempt at being told in a narrative proceeding.
Reader Appeal

Above Average

The story captivates the reader immediately, and fully engages the reader to immerse in the narrative using exceptionally effective writing skills to create a tone and/or theme.
Average

The story effectively catches the reader's attention, and directs that attention to further immerse the reader.
Below Average

The story attempts to catch the reader's attention, but does so in a way that makes little sense to the rest of the story.
Needs Imrovement

The story does not attempt to catch the reader's attention in the opening sentence.
Creativity

Imagination & Motivation

Above Average

The story is entirely original, and shows elements of inspiration rather further developed instead of retreading similar themes.
Average

The story has little to no cliches, and those that do exist do not extract from the short story's narrative, plot or characters. It is clear the writer is being creative and they are motivated to make it work.
Below Average

The story is heavily cliched, but there is at least one example of deviation from its inspiration. The writer's attempt at creativity is forced, but they show motivation to make it work.
Needs Imrovement

The story is abundantly cliched. There is little evidence of imagination or creativity. Writer seems indifferent to the subject; it is clear the writer is unmotivated.
Sentence Fluency

Length & Structure

Above Average

All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. Every paragraph has sentences that vary in length.
Average

Most sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. There is a variety of length, there may be one or two run-on sentences, but there are no fragments.
Below Average

Most sentences are well-constructed but have a similar structure. There are a few run-on sentences and/or fragments, but the reader is able to continue without too much distraction. Some sentences vary in length.
Needs Imrovement

Sentences lack structure and appear incomplete or rambling. Several run-on sentences or sentence fragments distract the reader often. Sentences rarely vary in length.
Flow & Rhythm

Above Average

All sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear and has an obvious emphasis.
Average

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.
Below Average

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

The sentences are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractedly repetitive, or difficult to understand.
Spelling & Grammar

Above Average

Writer makes zero to two errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Average

Writer makes three to four errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Below Average

Writer makes five errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Needs Imrovement

Writer makes more than five errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Conventions

Above Average

Writer makes zero to two errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the paper is exceptionally easy to read.
Average

Writer makes three or four errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the paper is still easy to read.
Below Average

Writer makes a five errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow.
Needs Imrovement

Writer makes more than five errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and greatly interrupt the flow.
Word Choice

Above Average

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced.
Average

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone.
Below Average

Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. Some "weak words" are used.
Needs Imrovement

Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or cliches may be overused and detract from the meaning. Numerous "weak words" are used.
"Illegal" Words

Above Average

No "illegal" words are used, except in dialog or journal entries.
Average

n/a
Below Average

n/a
Needs Imrovement

Writer uses one or more "illegal" words, with the exception of dialog and journal entries
Presentation

Above Average

Output is creatively presented, with originality and novelty in the presentation. Design and layout are well-fitting to the literary theme.
Average

Output is creatively presented, with originality in the presentation. Design and layout are for the most part fitting to the literary theme.
Below Average

Output is not so creatively presented. Design and layout are somewhat fitting to the literary theme.
Needs Imrovement

Output is not creatively presented. Design and layout are not fitting to the literary theme.



Keywords:
  • Plot, Organization, Short Story, Fiction, Creative Writing, Characterization







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