Name_________________________

Period_____________
Response to Literature Rubric
Points Your Mrs. Cassel’s
Possible Score Score
1. Introductory Paragraph
a. Title and author worked in naturally. 5
b. Genre of the book is described 5
c. Main Idea of the book is stated in a way that the 5
reader understands the basics of the book in a few
sentences (super short summary.)
d. The theme of the book is clearly written. 5
2. Summary Paragraph
a. Setting (time period and location) with specific 5
details
b. Main characters and descriptions and details 5
c. Conflict and conflict resolution using examples 5
and descriptions from the book
d. Specific details, and examples make sense and 5
help the reader understand the story.
3. Personal Connection Paragraph
a. A connection to other texts, self, or world 5
described
b. Additional details and examples help the reader 5
understand how this book relates to other books,
the writer’s life or events in the world.
4. Conclusion Paragraph
a. The writer’s opinion about the book is stated 5
clearly with reasons
b. Details from the book and examples are used to 5
support the opinion of the writer.
5. Accurate use of writing conventions – no more than 10
SIX errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or
capitalization.
Totals 70

Things to remember the second time around:

  Paragraphs are at least four sentences long. If your paragraph is not that
long, you going to need to add more information. The first line of a
paragraph is indented. This first sentence is the topic sentence. This means it
contains the “topic” of the paragraph, not just the sentence!

  Every sentence should not sound the same – It’s boring! The book is…
The author is… The genre is… Change things up, make it interesting to
read!

  The main idea is a super short summary. One or two sentences that give
an idea the basics of the story.

  The theme is what you learned from reading the book or what the main
character should have learned during the book. This is DIFFERENT from
the main idea.

  Giving the names of the characters is nice but who are they? Kids, adults,
family, friends? Give us a little info about each. If you begin a list of
characters and descriptions, it should NOT be all one giant sentence.

  The resolution is the end of the book. It is OK to tell me how it ends – in

fact, I want to know. It shows me you read the book.

  Connections can come in many different ways. If you have more than
one, and I am sure you do, tell me about it!

  “It was a good book” doesn’t mean much when the same phrase is in
every single review! What makes it good? Is it exciting? How? Be mush
more specific in your reasons behind your opinion.

  Finally, so that I can grade it. Please complete your response on the
computer (12 pt font, plain print font type, double spaced) or neatly
handwritten (double spaced in your best manuscript – cursive or print –
which ever is easiest to read)…If I can’t read it, I can’t grade it.

  Please score yourself on Rubric II and attach to your work before turning
in your response.

  GOOD LUCK! I look forward to reading your revisions.