Short Story Grading Rubric

CATEGORY 10 8 7 5
Setting Many vivid, descriptive Some vivid, descriptive The reader can figure out The reader has trouble
words are used to tell words are used to tell the when and where the story figuring out when and
when and where the story audience when and where took place, but the author where the story took place.
took place. the story took place. didn't supply much detail.
Characters The main characters are The main characters are The main characters are It is hard to tell who the
named and clearly named and described. Most named. The reader knows main characters are.
described. Most readers readers would have some very little about the
could describe the idea of what the characters characters.
characters accurately. looked like.
Plot Elements It is very easy for the It is fairly easy for the It is fairly easy for the It is not clear what problem
reader to understand the reader to understand the reader to understand the the main characters face.
problem the main problem the main problem the main No solution is attempted or
characters face and why it characters face and why it characters face but it is not it is impossible to
is a problem. The solution is a problem. The solution clear why it is a problem. understand.
to the character's problem to the character's problem The solution to the
is easy to understand, and is easy to understand, and character's problem is a
is logical. There are no is somewhat logical. little hard to understand.
loose ends.
Literary Devices Author has shown Author has appropriately Author’s use of imagery Characters and setting are
mastery of imagery and used imagery and and/or connotation maybe unclear and
connotation and used connotation to help the be somewhat confusing or underdeveloped as a result
them to help the reader reader understand his story. unclear. The descriptions of a lack of imagery or
understand his story. The The characters and settings of characters and setting connotation use in the short
characters and settings are clearly developed as a are somewhat story.
come alive as a result of result of the use of literary underdeveloped.
the use of literary devices. devices.
Organization The story is very well The story is pretty well The story is a little hard to Ideas and scenes seem to
organized. One idea or organized. One idea or follow. The transitions are be randomly arranged.
scene follows another in a scene may seem out of sometimes not clear.
logical sequence with place. Clear transitions are
clear transitions. used.
Creativity The story contains many The story contains a few The story contains a few There is little evidence of
creative details and/or creative details and/or creative details and/or creativity in the story. The
descriptions that descriptions that contribute descriptions, but they author does not seem to
contribute to the reader's to the reader's enjoyment. distract from the story. The have used much
enjoyment. The author The author has used his/her author has tried to use imagination.
has really used his/her imagination. his/her imagination.
imagination.
Mechanics The story contains no The story contains few The story contains many The story contains so many
errors in grammar, usage, minor errors in grammar, and/or serious errors in errors in grammar, usage,
or mechanics. usage, or mechanics. grammar, usage, or and mechanics that errors
mechanics; may interfere block reading.
with reading.
Requirements All of the written Almost all (about 90%) the Most (about 75%) of the Many requirements were
requirements (typed, written requirements were written requirements were not met.
double spaced, # of pages, met. met, but several were not.
font, margins) were met.
Analysis (this section The analysis contains a The analysis contains some The analysis contains little The analysis is not
counts for double clear, thoughtful mention of how “Cask of mention of how “Cask of included or is not relevant
points) explanation of how “Cask Amontillado” inspired the Amontillado” inspired the to the assignment.
of Amontillado” inspired author’s short story. author’s short story. The
the author’s short story analysis is underdeveloped
and unclear.
Total Points: ________/100
Comments:
Name:____________________________
Date/Period:_______________________

Short Story Assignment

Task:
For this assignment, you will be creating your own short story. Your piece will need to include the short
story elements we have discussed throughout this unit. The goal is to work towards creating a story
that includes these elements, and also takes into account all of the challenges that are a part of writing
good fiction.
In crafting your story, keep the following in mind:
· Choose a conflict as the basis for your story.
· Use indirect characterization (description of character’s appearance, actions, thoughts, words,
and other character’s reactions to them) to bring your characters to “life.”
· Think carefully about your lead and your conclusion-your lead should draw the reader into the
story (narrative hook), and your conclusion should provide some sort of resolution.
· Try using thoughts, connotation and descriptive pictures (imagery) to make your story and
characters believable. Remember to show not tell
· Consider how Poe created mystery, tension and suspense in his story and using his guidance create
mystery, tension and suspense in your own work

Reflection
Your short story MUST include a reflection that explains:
· What elements from “Cask of Amontillado” inspired you. What did you borrow from “Cask?” What
did you change?
· What do you think you did well in your story?
· What was the most difficult part of writing your short story?
· Did your story come out like you imagined it would?
· What grade would you give yourself based off of the rubric and why?

Reminders
As you write and revise your story, keep the following tips in mind:
· Give enough information so the reader can actually picture the story events and characters.
· Give details that are specific and relevant.
· Consider word choice and sentence structure carefully.
· Correct any grammatical and spelling errors.

Practical Considerations
Be sure to following all guidelines:
· Story must be a minimum of 3 pages long and no more than 5
· Consider all the specific elements of a short story in your writing
· Use Times New Roman, size 12 font for everything, including the title. Double space your story.
Project Due: Friday, October 12 by 5:00. You MUST email a copy via googledocs AND submit a
hard copy. Projects only submitted by email will not be graded.
Each day a project is late (including weekends) you will drop one letter grade.