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iRubric: Creative Fiction: Genre Writing rubric

iRubric: Creative Fiction: Genre Writing rubric

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Creative Fiction: Genre Writing 
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: RXA43WW
By rpilsing
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 9-12

Powered by iRubric Creative Fiction: Genre Writing
  Exceeded at meeting expectations

4 pts

Met expectations

3 pts

Marginally met expectations

2 pts

Failed to meet expectations

1 pts

Organization

Sequencing
Exceeded at meeting expectations

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.
Met expectations

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.
Marginally met expectations

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.
Failed to meet expectations

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

Exceeded at meeting expectations

There is a clear beginning, middle and end, with plot, character and narrative elements being referenced to advance key points in the story. Transitions are used to effectively keep the story moving.
Met expectations

There is a clear beginning, middle and end that is clear and consistent. Transitions are used to keep the story moving.
Marginally met expectations

There are some events that indicate a beginning, middle or end, but only two or less are present. Some transitions are used, but seem awkward.
Failed to meet expectations

There are no events indicating a beginning, middle and/or end. There are few or no transitions.
Characterization

Exceeded at meeting expectations

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

Characters are reasonably developed and behave consistent to their characterization.
Marginally met expectations

Characters are flat, but generally consistent. Some actions seem random/
Failed to meet expectations

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

Exceeded at meeting expectations

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.
Met expectations

The plot is logical, and attempts to develop key plot points and events addressed within the story.
Marginally met expectations

The plot proceeds logically, but suffers from inconsistent narrative proceeding.
Failed to meet expectations

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

Exceeded at meeting expectations

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.
Met expectations

The story effectively catches the reader's attention, and directs that attention to further immerse the reader.
Marginally met expectations

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.
Failed to meet expectations

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

Imagination & Motivation
Exceeded at meeting expectations

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

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.
Marginally met expectations

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.
Failed to meet expectations

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
Exceeded at meeting expectations

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

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.
Marginally met expectations

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.
Failed to meet expectations

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

Exceeded at meeting expectations

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

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.
Marginally met expectations

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

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

Exceeded at meeting expectations

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

Writer makes three to four errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Marginally met expectations

Writer makes five errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Failed to meet expectations

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

Exceeded at meeting expectations

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

Writer makes three or four errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the paper is still easy to read.
Marginally met expectations

Writer makes a five errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow.
Failed to meet expectations

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

Exceeded at meeting expectations

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.
Met expectations

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.
Marginally met expectations

Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. Some "weak words" are used.
Failed to meet expectations

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

Exceeded at meeting expectations

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

n/a
Marginally met expectations

n/a
Failed to meet expectations

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



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



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