Student Name: Course Name: Date: Assignment: Narrative Essay Grading Rubric: Category Excellent (20 Points) Good (16 Points) Satisfactory (12 Points) Needs Improvement (8 Points) Introduction, Hook, & Conclusion Strong opening makes the reader want to find out more. Introduction provides intriguing context for narrative. Narrative hook is engaging, appropriate and provides a compelling segue into the main narrative. Conclusion strongly clinches the narrative and provides a compelling ending. Thoughtfully reflects on the significance of the writer’s experience(s). Good opening but could be stronger. Introduction provides good context for narrative. Narrative hook is appropriate and somewhat engaging. Conclusion effectively ends the narrative and adequately ends the narrative. May not provide compelling discussion of the writer’s experience(s). Opening is unremarkable or generic and/or focuses on the issue instead of launching into the action. Introduction provides some context for narrative. Narrative hook is general in nature and not engaging. Conclusion ends the narrative but may be too simple. Limited reflection and discussion of the writer’s experience(s). Lead is unimaginative or unrelated to narrative. Introduction provides little context for the narrative. Narrative hook is missing or unrelated to the topic. Conclusion provides no ending to the narrative or is ineffective, leaving the reader confused. Contains little or no reflection of the writer’s experience(s). Idea Development & Details Ideas are fully developed. Narrative sequences are creative and narrative flows smoothly from one point of action to the next. Essay is rich in sensory detail and shows rather than tells, creating a vivid picture without overloading the reader. Ideas are mostly developed. Narrative sequences easily followed. Essay has some clutter or not enough elaboration, but mostly flows evenly from one point of action to the next. Essay has some strong sensory details, making it enjoyable to read, but details tell more than show. Ideas are somewhat developed. Ideas may be cluttered or unclear at times. Narrative can be followed, but at times choppy. Essay has too few sensory details or specific descriptions and tells rather than shows. Relies on overuse of clichés. Essay is far too long/short and loses focus. Narrative is boring because of overwriting or no elaboration. Descriptions show little variety or imagination. Essay is lacking in sensory details and tells rather than shows. Total Points = / 40 Student Name: Course Name: Category Organization Date: Assignment: Excellent (20 Points) Essay employs excellent structure and is well-organized. Narrative sequence is purposefully arranged and pulls the reader forward. Good (16 Points) Essay has mostly good structure and organization, though it may lack unity in places because of missing or confusing details. Reader is encouraged to read on. Satisfactory (12 Points) Needs Improvement (8 Points) Essay has some structure evident but at times is difficult to follow. Essay is not well organized and may skip around or contain gaps in the narrative sequence. Leaves unanswered questions. Essay structure is greatly lacking, interfering with reader’s ability to understand the narrative as a whole. Contains major gaps in narrative sequence and leaves the reader confused. Total Points = Category Excellent (20 Points) Word Choice & Transitions Essay employs rich, sophisticated word choice and varied language throughout. Essay is written in a sophisticated style using a variety of simple and complex sentence structures, creating a smooth rhythm. Writer’s voice comes through clearly and strongly. Mechanics & Style Essay is free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors; absent of fragments, and run-ons. Sentences vary in length as well as structure. Sentences are constructed in a way that enhances meaning. Good (16 Points) / 20 Satisfactory (12 Points) Needs Improvement (8 Points) Essay employs mostly original word choice and varies wording where appropriate. Essay is written in an understandable, accessible style with sentence variety but may lack complexity. Voice of the writer is present throughout. Essay employs simplistic word choice and/or limited language variety. Some sentences are poorly constructed and/or confusing. Style may be lacking in originality and/or sentence structure may show limited variety. Voice of the writer overshadowed by other elements of the narrative. Essay employs overly simplistic sentence structure and contains little or no variety. Style and/or tone may be inappropriate for the subject matter. Voice of writer is not present or is weak. Essay has few spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors allowing reader to follow ideas clearly. Very few fragments or run-ons. Some sentence variety is demonstrated. Mostly free of spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, allowing reader to progress through essay. Some errors remain. Sentences are generally constructed correctly but may include fragments, run-ons, and awkward constructions. Little or no sentence variety. Spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors create distraction, making reading difficult; fragments and runons evident. Errors are frequent. Sentences are choppy and awkward. Total Points = / 40 Student Name: Course Name: Additional Comments: Date: Assignment:
