Criteria

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Vocabulary

The vocabulary is not varied or is routinely inappropriate for the story.

Uses a good range of vocabulary that is often too simple.

Uses a good range vocabulary that is occasionally a little too simple.

Uses a varied vocabulary appropriate for the story.

Organization & Structure

Ideas and scenes seem to be randomly arranged.

The story is a little hard to follow. The transitions are sometimes not clear.

The story is pretty well organized. One idea or scene may seem out of place. Clear transitions are used.

The story is very well organized. One idea or scene follows another in a logical sequence with clear transitions.

Language Use

(Sentence structure, word choice, grammar, spelling, punctuation)

Many errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, which makes comprehension difficult.

Frequent errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, which creates some difficulty in comprehension.

Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with few errors.

Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with very few errors.

Creativity

There is little evidence of creativity in the story. The author does not seem to have used much imagination.

The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions, but they distract from the story. The author has tried to use his imagination.

The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's enjoyment. The author has used his imagination.

The story contains many creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's enjoyment. The author has really used his imagination.

Criteria

1

2

3

4

Vocabulary

The vocabulary is not varied or is routinely inappropriate for the story.

Uses a good range of vocabulary that is often too simple.

Uses a good range vocabulary that is occasionally a little too simple.

Uses a varied vocabulary appropriate for the story.

Organization & Structure

Ideas and scenes seem to be randomly arranged.

The story is a little hard to follow. The transitions are sometimes not clear.

The story is pretty well organized. One idea or scene may seem out of place. Clear transitions are used.

The story is very well organized. One idea or scene follows another in a logical sequence with clear transitions.

Language Use

(Sentence structure, word choice, grammar, spelling, punctuation)

Many errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, wh ni ich makes comprehension difficult.

Frequent errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, which creates some difficulty in comprehension.

Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with few errors.

Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with very few errors.

Creativity

There is little evidence of creativity in the story. The author does not seem to have used much imagination.

The story contains a few creative details  and/or descriptions, but they distract from the story. The author has tried to use his imagination.

The story contains a few creative details  and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's enjoyment. The author has used his imagination.

The story contains many creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's enjoyment. The author has really used his imagination.

Criteria

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4

Plot, Setting, Details, & Development

Little to no plot line

Uses little to no details

Provides minimally developed plot line

Attempts to use details and/or suspense, dialogue, and action, but with minimal effectiveness

Develops a standard plot line

Less-developed setting

Uses a range of literary devices (such as suspense, dialogue, and action).

Advances the plot, and keeps the reader informed or entertained

Skillfully develops plot line

Clear setting

Uses a wide range of literary devices (such as suspense, dialogue, and by action).

Skilfully advances the plot, and keeps the reader continually informed or entertained

Characters

Characters are underdeveloped and don’t have an adequate background, personality, or motivation. They don’t feel like real people at all.

Some attempt was made to create a background, personality, and motivations, but the characters don’t feel real. The characterization is weak.

Characters fall just short of feeling real and three-dimensional. They are missing something essential: a fully developed background, identifiable motivations, or consistent personality.

Characters feel like real people. There’s a sense of history and background. They have clear personalities and the reader understands their motivations.

Organization & Structure

(Paragraphs, Transitions)

Little to No Structure:

Little to no sequencing of ideas

Isolated events

Weak Structure:

Sequencing of ideas in text body and/or resolution need revision

Some isolated events with weak sequencing

Effective Structure:

Engaging hook

Logical sequencing of ideas based on purpose

 Resolution

Skillful Structure:

Strong, engaging hook

 Logical and effective sequencing of ideas (structure) based on purpose

Clear resolution

Originality

(Expression of the topic in a creative way)

No experimentation nor enhancement of concepts. No adherence to the topic.

Very little experimentation to enhance concepts. Does not exhibit creativity.

Sufficient experimentation with language and usage to enhance concepts. Applies basic creative skills to relay ideas.

Distinctive experimentation with language and usage to enhance concepts. Applies higher order thinking and creative skills to relay complex ideas.

Language Use & Conventions

(Sentence structure, word choice, grammar, spelling, punctuation)

Little or no use of elements of conventions. Many errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, which makes comprehension difficult.

Some use of elements of conventions. Contains frequent errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, which creates some difficulty in comprehension.

Appropriate use of elements of conventions. Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with few errors.

Effective and creative use of elements of conventions to enhance meaning Uses correct grammar, spelling, punctuation throughout with very few errors.