iRubric: Short Story Writing - Grade 8 rubric

Story has a title but it is either not related to the main idea of the story or it is not interesting.

Title is interesting.

Title is creative and catchy.

Title is creative, catchy and very interesting

The setting is mentioned.

The setting is described and at least one - two senses are developed.

The setting is fully described and at least three senses are developed.

The setting is fully described using imagery and descriptive language and at least three senses are developed. (Remember, the goal is to paint a picture for your reader).

There are numerous mistakes in grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. It detracts from the meaning of the story.

There are few errors and it does not detract from the meaning of the story. (Don't forget to include your name)

There are minimal errors. (Don't forget to include your name)

There are no errors. (Don't forget to include your name)

The writer wrote a beginning that not only set the plot/story in motion, but also hinted at the larger meaning the story would convey. It introduced the problem, set the stage for the lesson that would be learned, or showed how the character relates to the setting in a way that matters in the story.

The writer wrote a beginning that not only sets the story in motion, it also grounds it in a place or situation. It includes details that will later be important to the
story. These details might point to the central issue or conflict, show how story elements connect, or hint at key character traits.

The writer wrote a beginning that establishes the situation and place, hinting at a bigger context for the story (revealing issues that
have been brewing, showing how the setting affects the character, contextualizing a time in history, developing one out of many points of view).

The writer wrote a beginning establishing a situation, place, and/or atmosphere;
foreshadowing the problem(s); and hinting at questions, issues,
ideas, or themes. The writer introduced a particular narrative
voice and point of view.