Ocean Mysteries, Legends, and Customs--Short Story Assignment

Category

4

3

2

1

Grammar & Spelling (Conventions)

Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Clear evidence of revision.

Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content, but paper is still well executed. There is evidence of revision.

Writer makes many errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. There is little evidence of revision.

Writer makes frequent grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. There is no evidence of revision

Pacing (Organization)

The pacing is well-controlled. The writer knows when to slow down and elaborate, and when to pick up the pace and move on. Plot chart is well thought out and follows a clear and concise sequence. Keeps interest of reader

The pacing is generally well-controlled but the writer occasionally does not elaborate enough. Plot chart is thought out, but events seem out of place in one or more instances and make story less interesting

The pacing is generally well-controlled but the writer sometimes repeats the same point over and over, or spends too much time on details that don't matter. Plot chart could be improved upon. One or more events are out of sequence and it becomes distracting to reader

The pacing often feels awkward to the reader. The writer elaborates when there is little need, and then leaves out necessary supporting information. There is no evidence of a plot chart. Events do not follow any sequence and there is little sense of any organization

Flow & Rhythm (Sentence Fluency)

All sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear and has an obvious emphasis

Almost all sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand.

Almost all sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand.

The sentences are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand. There are many run on sentences.

Word Choice

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. The writer creates sensual imagery in the readers mind through description of setting.

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. There is some sensual imagery.

Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. There is little sensual imagery.

Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning. There is no sensual imagery.

Category

4

3

2

1

Grammar & Spelling (Conventions)

Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Clear evidence of revision.

Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content, but paper is still well executed. There is evidence of revision.

Writer makes many errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. There is little evidence of revision.

Writer makes frequent grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. There is no evidence of revision

Pacing (Organization)

The pacing is well-controlled. The writer knows when to slow down and elaborate, and when to pick up the pace and move on. Plot chart is well thought out and follows a clear and concise sequence. Keeps interest of reader

The pacing is generally well-controlled but the writer occasionally does not elaborate enough. Plot chart is thought out, but events seem out of place in one or more instances and make story less interesting

The pacing is generally well-controlled but the writer sometimes repeats the same point over and over, or spends too much time on details that don't matter. Plot chart could be improved upon. One or more events are out of sequence and it becomes distracting to reader

The pacing often feels awkward to the reader. The writer elaborates when there is little need, and then leaves out necessary supporting information. There is no evidence of a plot chart. Events do not follow any sequence and there is little sense of any organization

Flow & Rhythm (Sentence Fluency)

All sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear and has an obvious emphasis

Almost all sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand.

Almost all sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand.

The sentences are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand. There are many run on sentences.

Word Choice

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. The writer creates sensual imagery in the readers mind through description of setting.

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. There is some sensual imagery.

Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. There is little sensual imagery.

Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning. There is no sensual imagery.