Narrative Rubric (9-10)

5 Advanced 4 Skilled 3 Proficient

Criterion 2 - Developing 1 - Inadequate
(above grade level) (at grade level) (meets grade level minimum)

Insightfully addresses all aspects of the

prompt Competently addresses all aspects of the Superficially addresses all aspects of the Partially addresses aspects of the Minimally addresses some aspects of
Creatively engages the prompt prompt prompt the prompt
reader by setting out a well-developed
conflict, situation, or observation
EXPOSITION Engages and orients the reader by Orients the reader by setting out a Provides a setting with a vague Provides a setting that is unclear with a
Establishes one or multiple points of
setting out a conflict, situation, or conflict, situation, or observation conflict, situation, or observation vague conflict, situation, or
view observation observation
The text sets up a Introduces a narrator and/or complex
story by introducing characters. Establishes one point of view Has an unclear point of view
the event/conflict, Establishes one or multiple points of Has an unclear point of view
characters, and view Introduces a narrator and/or developed Introduces a narrator and/or
setting. Has an underdeveloped narrator and/or
characters. underdeveloped characters.
Introduces a narrator and/or well- characters.
developed characters.

Creative and interesting dialogue Engaging dialogue reveals character Appropriate dialogue supports character Dialogue is not always relevant to Dialogue may be included, but it is
reveals character personality, sounds personality, sounds natural, and personality, sounds somewhat natural, the story and/or the character and irrelevant and/or does not enhance the
natural, and smoothly forwards the purposefully forwards the story and forwards the story doesnt enhance the story story. Dialogue may be missing.
story
NARRATIVE
TECHNIQUES & Pacing of the storys action is engaging, Pacing of the storys action is Pacing of the storys action is Pacing of the storys action is too slow
DEVELOPMENT Pacing of the storys action is interests the reader, supports the appropriate, holds the readers attention, choppy (lulls/too fast), distracts the or too fast and fails to hold reader
absorbing, engrosses the reader, atmosphere and tone maintains the atmosphere and tone reader from the intended atmosphere interest or help tell the story
advances the atmosphere and tone and tone
The story is developed
using dialogue, pacing, Clear descriptions of character, setting Deliberate descriptions of character, Some descriptions of character, setting
description, and Vivid descriptions of character, setting and events setting and events Minimal descriptions of character, and events
multiple plot lines. and events setting and events
Distinct but relevant multiple plot lines Relevant multiple plot lines Irrelevant or missing multiple plot
Thorough and unique but relevant Attempt at multiple plot lines may lines
multiple plot lines not be relevant

ORGANIZATION AND
COHESION
The text follows a
logical sequence of
events. The conclusion
follows from the course of
the narrative and provides
a reflection on or
resolution of the events.
STYLE AND LANGUAGE
The text uses sensory
language and details to
create a vivid picture of
the events, setting, and
characters.
GRAMMAR AND USAGE
The text uses correct
English grammar,
capitalization,
punctuation, and
spelling.
Expertly creates a smooth progression
of experiences or events
Uses multiple techniquessuch as
chronology, flashback, foreshadowing,
suspense, etc.to sequence events so
that they build on one another
The text moves to a conclusion that
artfully follows from and thoughtfully
reflects on what is experienced,
observed, or resolved.
Sophisticated use of precise words and
phrases, telling details, and sensory
language to convey a vivid picture of
the experiences, events, setting, and/or
characters
Uses purposeful and varied sentence
structure
Contains minimal to no errors in
grammar, punctuation, spelling,
capitalization
Utilizes precise and sophisticated
word choice
Creates a smooth progression of
experiences or events
Uses a variety of techniquessuch as
chronology, flashback, foreshadowing,
suspense, etc.to sequence events so
that they build on one another
The text builds to a conclusion that
logically follows from and reflects on
what is experienced, observed, or
resolved
Uses precise words and phrases,
relevant descriptive details, and sensory
language
to capture the action and convey
experiences and events
Uses correct and varied sentence
structure
Contains few, minor errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling, capitalization
Utilizes strong and grade-level
appropriate word choice
Experiences and events are somewhat
connected
Uses some techniques - such as
chronology, flashback, foreshadowing,
suspense, etc.to sequence events so
that they build on one another to create
a coherent whole.
The text provides a conclusion that
follows from and reflects on what is
experienced, observed, or resolved
Uses some descriptive details, and
sensory language to convey experiences
and events
Uses mostly correct and some varied
sentence structure
Contains some errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling, capitalization
which may cause confusion
Usually utilizes grade-level appropriate
word choice
Progression of experiences or events
may be confusing or disjointed
The text creates a sequence or
progression of experiences or
events.
The text provides a conclusion
that follows from what is
experienced, observed, or resolved
Uses concrete words or phrases with
limited use of descriptive details and
sensory language
Uses limited and/or repetitive
sentence structure
Contains numerous errors in
grammar, punctuation, spelling,
capitalization which cause
confusion
Utilizes vague or basic word choice
Event sequence unfolds illogically or
lacks a sequence or progression of
experiences or events
The text may provide a conclusion to
the events of the narrative.
Does not use sensory language or
descriptive details
Lacks sentence mastery (has
fragments/ run-ons)
Contains serious and pervasive errors
in grammar, punctuation, spelling,
capitalization
Utilizes incorrect and/or simplistic
word choice.