Short Story Writing Rubric

Basic Sound Thorough Extensive

Score
1 2 3 4

Overly Story elements Combines story Skilfully combines all

simplistic No may or may not elements around a story elements around a
clear controlling reveal a controlling idea to controlling idea to
Content idea and/or controlling reveal a thought
theme idea/theme reveal a thought- provoking theme
provoking theme

Lacks a Provides a Develops a Skilfully develops plot

developed plot minimally standard plot line with complex
line developed plot line with complex major and minor
Plot and line major and characters and a
Situation minor characters definite setting
and a definite
setting

Fails to use Attempts to use Anecdotes, Anecdotes, sensory

details, details and/or sensory details details and examples
anecdotes, anecdotes, and examples create a clear sense of
Narrative dialogue, suspense, create a sense of the main characters’
Devices/ Story suspense, dialogue, and the characters’ thoughts, actions and
Details and/or action action, thoughts, actions appearances
but with minimal and appearances A range of devices such
effectiveness A range of devices as suspense, dialogue
such as suspense, and action
dialogue and (gestures, expressions)
action (gestures, skilfully advances the
expressions) plot, gives insight into
advances the plot, characters, and keeps
gives insight into the reader continually
characters, and informed/entertained
keeps the reader
informed/
entertained

Organisation Little to no Weak structure: Effective Skilful Structure:

structure: Exposition, structure: Strong, engaging
Exposition, sequencing of Engaging exposition Logical and
conflict ideas in exposition effective sequencing of
and/or body and/or Logical ideas based on
resolution/ resolution/denoue sequencing of purpose and skillfully
denouement ment ideas linked to theme
may not exist need some based on purpose Resolution and
revision and linked denouement
May be isolated to theme reinforce theme and
events with weak Resolution and give closure
sequencing denouement
reinforce theme
and give closure

Voice Unclear or no Sense of purpose Writer’s voice is Writer's voice is

sense and/or audience confident, authentic,
of voice, not clear authentic and clever and entertaining
purpose Writer’s voice is entertaining • Skillfully reveals the
and/or audience detached from the Reveals the significance of the
story significance of writer’s
the writer’s attitude about the
attitude about the subject/
subject/memorabe memorable incident
incident • Clear sense of
Name: __________________________________________ Teacher: Ms C Graham-Smith

Comments:

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