Mechanics:
Grammar/Spelling
Style: Voice
Impact
Details &
Description
Structure &
Organization
Response to
Topic: Content
Solon High School 9-12 Narrative Writing Rubric
5
Accomplished
4
Skilled
3
Competent
2
Needs Improvement
1
Limited Writing Skills
Addresses the purpose and reflects an
awareness of the type of narrative
assigned; masterfully employs the
conventions of the required genre
Skillfully addresses the purpose and
reflects an awareness of the type of
narrative assigned while clearly
adhering to the conventions of that
particular type of writing
Adequately addresses the
purpose and reflects an
awareness of the type of
narrative assigned and adheres to
the conventions of that
particular type of writing
May address the purpose and
type of narrative assigned but
does not adequately use the
conventions of that particular
type of writing; may also
include cursory information
that detracts from the purpose
Does not reflect a narrative or
may be only slightly related to
purpose; may reveal a
misinterpretation of the
directions
Demonstrates masterful organization
with command of sentence and
paragraph structure; author makes
purposeful choices that support
narrative elements (such as plot,
character development, etc.) to sustain
a clear, cohesive focus throughout the
piece
Demonstrates logical organization
with command of sentence and
paragraph structure; author’s
choices support narrative elements
to sustain a clear focus throughout
the piece
Generally demonstrates
organization of sentence and
paragraph structure; author’s
choices support some narrative
elements, but may be
inconsistent in focus or purpose
Demonstrates limited
organization, poor use of
narrative elements; author’s
choices minimally develop a
clear focus or purpose
Lacks organization and/or fails
to utilize narrative elements to
create clarity or focus
Reflects the masterful use of unique
and original details to show, not tell;
description enhances the structure and
clearly illustrates the purpose of the
narrative
Employs creative use of details and
description to show, not tell;
description develops the structure
and the purpose of the narrative
Employs somewhat effective
details and description which
supports the structure but may
lack consistency in the skill of
show, not tell
Includes limited original and
pertinent details or description;
may lack focus and direction
and digress from the writer's
purpose
Includes little or no use of
details or description and shows
no apparent narrative structure
or purpose
Provides an effective and
commanding voice that demonstrates
a consciously chosen point of view
that remains engaging throughout the
piece
Provides a purposeful voice that
demonstrates a consciously chosen
point of view that engages the
reader throughout the piece
Reflects an adequate narrative
voice that generally holds the
reader's attention; selects point
of view that is fitting but may
not be consistent or engaging
throughout the piece
Narrative voice is inconsistent
and/or unclear and may reflect
pedestrian writing; point of
view is poorly chosen or does
not engage the reader
throughout the piece
Lacks consistent style, clarity, or
coherence; does not reveal the
author's voice or engage the
reader
Writing is virtually flawless and
distinctive due to skilled use of
vocabulary, grammar and sentence
structure. Demonstrates correct
spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization.
Though not without flaws, writing
is effective due to correct use of
vocabulary, grammar, and sentence
structure. Demonstrates mostly
correct spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization.
Writing generally demonstrates
adequate use of vocabulary,
grammar, and sentence structure.
Some errors exist, but do not
detract from readability.
Writing is ineffective due to
incorrect use of vocabulary,
grammar, and sentence
structure. Errors in spelling,
punctuation, and capitalization
detract from overall quality and
readability.
Writing is highly ineffective due
to frequent and severe errors in
spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, grammar, and
vocabulary. Errors severely
detracts from the readability.
REVISED 10.2014