Score
4
o
o
3
Proficient
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
2
o
o
1
Deficient
o
o
o
o
o
Focus & Organization
Clearly introduces character(s)
and point(s) of view
Engages and directs reader
with clear situation, context, or
conflict.
Well-organized sequence of
events that unfolds
naturally/logically
Provides effective conclusion
that follows/reflects on events.
TCAP Writing Rubric (Narrative)
Support/Elaboration
Language
o Sophisticated narrative o Consistent, sophisticated, precise vocabulary to
techniques (dialogue,
maintain reader interest.
pacing, description,
o Literary techniques
reflection).
o Variety in sentence structure
o Strong use of precise
o Sophisticated/varied transitions to convey
words/phrases,
sequence and show relationships
relevant descriptive
o Creates a particular tone that helps build towards
details, and sensory
a certain outcome (suspense, growth) in a fluent
language to convey
narrative.
vivid picture.
Introduces character(s) and
point(s) of view
Directs reader with situation,
context, or conflict.
Sufficient sequence of events
that unfolds naturally
Provides conclusion that
follows/reflects on events.
o
May name character(s), but
unclear to reader. Unclear
point(s) of view.
Weak direction in terms of
situation, context, or conflict.
Brief/confusing sequence of
events that may have gaps.
Weak conclusion that may only
loosely relate to events.
o
Little to no introduction of
character(s). Missing point(s) of
view.
Little to no direction in terms
of situation, context, or
conflict.
Brief/confusing sequence of
events that may be very hard
to follow.
Little to no conclusion; writing
may stop abruptly.
o
o
o
o
Sufficiently uses
narrative techniques
(dialogue, pacing,
description, reflection).
Uses some precise
words/phrases,
relevant descriptive
details, and sensory
language to convey
vivid picture.
Insufficiently uses
narrative techniques
(dialogue, pacing,
description, reflection).
Insufficient use of
precise words/phrases,
relevant descriptive
details, and sensory
language so the picture
of events/characters is
unclear.
Few to no narrative
techniques (dialogue,
pacing, description,
reflection).
Uses little to no precise
words/phrases,
relevant descriptive
details, and sensory
language so there is
little to no picture of
events/characters.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Sufficient vocabulary to maintain reader interest.
Some literary techniques
Variety in sentence structure
Uses some transitions to convey sequence and
show relationships
Creates a particular tone that helps build towards
a certain outcome (suspense, growth) in a
coherent narrative.
o
Insufficient vocabulary that does not maintain
reader interest.
Insufficient literary techniques
Insufficient variety in sentence structure
Insufficient transitions that do not convey
sequence and show relationships
Little control of tone that helps build towards a
certain outcome (suspense, growth) in a coherent
narrative.
o
Little to no vocabulary skills/does not maintain
reader interest.
Little to no literary techniques
Little to no variety in sentence structure
Insufficient transitions that do not convey
sequence and show relationships
Little to no control of tone that helps build
towards a certain outcome (suspense, growth) in
a coherent narrative.
o
o
o
o
Conventions
Consistent, sophisticated
command of Standard
English conventions
(sentence structure,
grammar, usage, spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation).
May contain a few minor
errors that don’t interfere
with meaning
Sufficient command of
Standard English
conventions (sentence
structure, grammar, usage,
spelling, capitalization,
punctuation).
May contain a few minor
errors that don’t
significantly interfere with
meaning
Insufficient use of
Standard English
conventions (sentence
structure, grammar, usage,
spelling, capitalization,
punctuation).
May contain a few minor
errors that interfere with
meaning
Little to no control of
conventions (sentence
structure, grammar, usage,
spelling, capitalization,
punctuation).
Persistent errors that
significantly interfere with
meaning