Short Story Evaluation Name of evaluator:______

Name of author:______

Checklist:

_____ Believable story _____ Protagonist/fictional main character

_____ Antagonist/conflict_____ Figurative language used

_____ Utilizes all five senses_____ Uses 10 endnotes

_____ Uses active voice_____ Proper Bibliographypage format

_____ Uses 10 vocabulary words_____ Utilizes a variety of narrative strategies

_____ Preface of facts _____ Proper Endnotes page format

Rate AND discuss. Explain how each element is addressed; give specifics from the story.

Rate on a scale of 1-10 after each item

  1. Keeps your interest.
  1. Interesting and original theme and storyline (not just a recycled movie plot).
  1. Believable, rounded, three-dimensional character reader can believe in and care about.
  1. Fictional protagonist has a conflict he/she cares about in the context of the historical event.
  1. Written in a unique, interesting, and/or effective style.
  1. Interesting or surprising plot or situation that sticks with and makes reader think.
  1. Resolution is realistic, thoughtful, and comes out of the story.
  1. Historical time period is believable (characters’ behaviors, word choices, lifestyle).
  1. Gracefully written and proofread; few, if any, errors in grammar, punctuation,spelling. Correct spelling (check new paragraphs for each speaker in dialogue).

When you turn in your typed, final story, include the following in order:

Scoring Guide (This paper)

Typed Title page

Preface

Typed final draft of story (5 pages min. -10 page max.)

Endnotes page – Minimum of 10

Bibliography Page – Minimum of FIVE sources used in story – 2 printed

Turnitin.com (check off to show completion)

Papers not written according to MLA standards, or not containing all of the above items will be returned to you, and the highest grade you will be able to receive is a “C.”

SCORING GUIDE – Attach to paper

A Proficient “C” paper:

Contains minimal required elements: MLA formatting, sources, endnotes, 10vocabulary words, five literary devices, etc.

Has a Preface that:

  1. Provides factual background information and historical context of the story
  2. Justifies the major strategies and elements used in the story

Is evident of knowledge and understanding of historical event

Contains an exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution

Has a main character

Uses figurative language and narrative writing strategies

Uses consistent verb tense

Correctly uses paragraphing

Demonstrates adequate control of sentence structure with appropriate use of language and word choice.

Errors in conventions don’t interfere with readability

A Commendable “B” paper does all of the above and:

Uses an interesting exposition, an obvious rising action and climax, and an appropriate resolution

Has an engaging main character who develops and changes realistically throughout the story

Clearly uses figurative language and many narrative writing strategies

Demonstrates distinctive control of sentence structure with appropriate use of language and accurate word choice

Contains minimal errors in conventions

An Exceptional “A” composition does all of the above and:

Uses an engaging exposition, a captivating rising action and climax, and an intriguing, thought-provoking resolution

Has a rounded, fully-developed main character whose change is realistic, logical and engrossing

Effectively uses figurative language and most narrative writing strategies

Demonstrates exceptional control of sentence structure with precise, appropriate use of language and sophisticated word choice

Contains virtually no errors in conventions