Name Total: /50 = ___/100Creative Nonfiction Rubric
Required Elements / Excels / Progressing / EmergingTheme and Setting
_____/5pts / Includes a controlling idea/theme
There is a universal message/unifying concept
Clear revelation about life, whether small or large/profound.
Establishes a clear sense of setting
Uses concrete details and descriptions of people/places/things / Controlling idea/theme is present, but not strong
Universal message/unifying concept is weak
Setting established, but needs further developed
Concrete details and descriptions are present but inconsistent or need developed / Lacking controlling theme/idea
No universal message/unifying concept
Sense of setting is vague or lacking; missing details
Content and Voice
_____/5pts / Well-chosen content/topic; you know topic
Reflects real life
Clear sense of writer comes through
Honest, Credible, Genuine, Distinct Voice
Writer’s passion for or connection to topic is apparent through use of language and style
Consistent Point of View and Tone / Topic could be stronger or more interesting
Reads as somewhat fictional, rather than honest
Writer’s voice is not consistently distinct,
genuine, or credible
No clear passion or emotional investment in topic
Point of view and tone are sometimes
inconsistent / Topic is not well chosen
Reads as more fictional than real life
Author does not sound genuine or credible
Stiff/artificial voice
No clear passion or emotional investment in topic
Point of view or tone are frequently
inconsistent
Organization and Research
_____/5pts / Arranges ideas in an effective, logical (easy-to-follow) order; avoid digression
Arranged in organized paragraphs.
Includes coherent (but not too formal) transitions.
Clearly researched (including information obtained from friends, family, etc)__ / Ideas mostly logical, but sometimes difficult to follow
Occasionally digresses
Needs more paragraph division
Transitions inconsistent or overly formal/stiff
Some research evident / _Has organizational flaws
Very difficult to follow
Lacks Paragraph division
Lacks Transitions throughout
Presence of research is unclear or missing
Introduction and
Conclusion
_____/5pts / Beginning of essay is engaging.
Conclusion feels complete/wrapped up; no seemingly irrelevant details or new topics._ / Intro is adequate and somewhat engaging
Conclusion clear, but not wrapped up
Conclusion includes new topics. / Lacking an engaging intro
No clear conclusion/wrap up
Language and Dialogue
_____/5pts / Uses appropriate and precise language Slang/informal language allowed if purposeful
Quotes coherent, essential, and punctuated correctly
Use of natural dialogue to advance story / Uses some vague word choices;
Slang/informal language was present and works, but not extremely effective___
Quotes present but don’t add to work, may be some error in format
Dialogue is sometimes forced and unnatural / Used vague, generic language
Slang/informal language was unnecessary
Quote are improperly punctuated
Dialogue is unnatural and/or does not advance plot.
Format and Conventions
_____/5pts / Shows strong command of conventions
Grammar/spelling/punctuation errors do not distract the reader
Proper MLA format (Heading, Header, Title, TNR 12, Double-Spaced)
Approximately 8-12 pages / Has a few distracting errors in conventions
Format mostly correct
Length is close to the requirement, but does not quite meet minimum or maximum / Very distracting errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation
Improper MLA format
Length falls well above or below requirements
Creativity and
Literary Techniques
_____/5pts / Incorporates a variety of literary techniques:
Imagery, similes, metaphors, foreshadowing, personification, symbolism, irony, hyperbole, repetition, dialogue, characterization, etc
The writing is vivid and engaging
The piece “shows” rather than “tells”
Avoid clichés / Incorporates some literary techniques, but could have used more.
Writing is creative, but could be more unique and engaging
Piece includes some clichés / Lacking in literary techniques
Writing is very generic and ordinary
Writing reads more as nonfiction, rather than creative nonfiction.
Piece is riddled with clichés
Time and Effort
_____/5pts / It is clear that the student put significant time and effort into their writing
Every sentence and phrase is polished
High quality writing overall
Reads as though carefully scrutinized, revised, and edited by the author.
Leaves a lasting impression on reader. / It is clear that the student put adequate time and effort into their writing
Sentences/Phrases need more polishing
Reads as though author completed some revision/editing
Is well-written, but not very impactful / It is not clear that the student put significant time and effort into their writing
Writing is not polished/professional
Revision and editing are lacking
Does not leave a lasting impression on reader.
Completion
_____/10pts