Literature Circles: Discussion Rubric

Categories
Level 4
Preparation Has read text and is
Discussion

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Has read text and is

prepared with an original
question
Contributes
appropriately to the
discussion.
Helps ensure the
conversation is on topic
and generally keeps the
discussion going.

Has read text and has an

open question but it is
fairly simple
Contributes occasionally
to the discussion.

Has read text and has a

question but it is fairly
closed.
Rarely contributes and
only when prompted.

Has not read the text.

Converses on topic and

helps maintain
discussion.

Conversation is off topic

once or twice. But for the
most part is focussed.

Conversation is
frequently off topic.

Listens attentively.

Listens to others.

Occasionally listens to
others.

Rarely listens to others.

Does not listen to others.

Asks thought provoking

follow-up questions.

Asks many follow-up

questions.

Occasionally asks
follow-up questions.

Rarely asks any

questions beyond the
initial one.

Does not ask questions

beyond the initial one.

Responds to group
members in a thoughtful
way.
Makes thoughtful and
complex predictions and
connections.

Responds to group
members appropriately.

Responds to group
members occasionally.

Rarely responds to group

members.

Makes thoughtful
predictions and
connections.

Makes some predictions

and connections.

Limited predictions and

connections are made.

Does not respond to

group members
appropriately or at all.
No predictions or
connections are made.

Discussion reveals an indepth understanding of

the text being studied.

Discussion reveals a
good understanding of
the text being studied.

Discussion reveals some

understanding of the text
being studied.

Discussion reveals
limited understanding of
the text being studied.

There is not enough

understanding of the text
being studied.

thoroughly prepared with

an insightful question
Contributes significantly
to discussion.

Leadership and Effectively keeps the

Communication discussion going. Builds
on others comments.

Reading Strategies

Level R

Does not contribute to

the discussion.