iRubric: Memoir rubric

The topic is not clearly defined.

The topic is fairly broad and it may be difficult to recognize a single "memorable moment" as the focus.

The topic is mostly narrowed down to one "memorable moment" in the writer's life but may go slightly off topic.

The topic is narrow and manageable - the writing is clearly and consistently focused on a specific "memorable moment" in the writer's life.

The writing is missing either an introduction or a conclusion. The writing does not depict the 3 part structure and/or pacing is too awkward - either too rushed in some areas or too slow in others - making it hard for the reader to get a grip on the main storyline.

The writing includes an introduction and a conclusion. The writing depicts the 3 part structure and pacing is fairly well-controlled moving the reader forward but may dwell too long on one aspect or not long enough on another.

The writing includes an interesting introduction and the conclusion is well-defined clarifying the meaning of the story for the reader. The writing demonstrates a slice of time that depicts the 3 part structure in an effective manner with well-paced details.

The writing includes a compelling, original method for introducing the story and a conclusion is satisfying leaving the reader with a sense of closure. The writing demonstrates a slice of time that depicts the 3 part structure in a manner that is very effective and creates a sense of "flow" to the writing.

The writing lacks sufficient detail to engage the reader and doesn't attempt to utilize the techniques studied. The reader never feels connected to the experience.

The writer occasionally utilizes details to engage the reader and at times tries the techniques studied. Those moments allow the reader to feel connected to the experience.

The writer consistently attempts to convey details to engage the reader and utilizes appropriate techniques to do so as a result the reader feels mostly connected to the writer's experience.

The writer has a knack for conveying details in a manner that engages the reader's senses and makes the reader feel as if they are "living" the experience - effortlessly utilizes techniques such as "exploding the moment", thoughtshots, showing emotion through action, and dialogue.

Sentences do not contain a flow because they are choppy and difficult to read and/or awkward patterns slow the reading.

Sentences are at times fluent and easy to understand but they may lack variety in sentence structure and style; some awkward word patterns slow the reading.

Most sentences flow smoothly from one idea to the next and there is variety in sentence structure and style which makes your writing fluent and easy to understand.

Sentences flow smoothly from one idea to the next and there is variety in sentence structure and style which gives your writing cadence, power, and movement.