Writing Rubric
Contemporary
Memoir
Orientation/
Opening
Ideas and Organization
Score: _________
Development
of Ideas
Development
of Internal
Structure
Closure
Craft and Style
Score: ______
Proficient
(Meets)
4
Partially Proficient
(Approaching)
3
Unsatisfactory
(Does Not Meet)
2
 Opening advances a unifying
concept or metaphor that guides
and sets the direction for the
memoir as a whole.
 Employs flashback and
foreshadowing to identify,
introduce, and develop a
personal voice and the character
of the narrator.
 True meaning of the title is
revealed as the piece unfolds.
 Narrative techniques (e.g.
description, details, characters
and/or dialogue) are purposeful
and directed towards creating a
whole and unified vision of the
author’s experience and its
personal meaning.
 The narrative includes additional
or tertiary characters, events, or
motifs that add historical and
cultural relevance to the story.
 The narrative accomplishes a
personal reflection that ties the
author to issues and concerns
beyond the story—to a broader
context.
 Transitions and organizational
patterns reflect a clear and
logical unity of theme and
purposeful movement from
episode to episode.
 Crafting of paragraph length
lends distinctiveness and clarity
to author’s voice, persona,
attitudes, and message.
 The opening is clear and engages
the reader.
 The opening establishes a clear
personal voice.
 Intriguing title that hints at topic.
 Opening is present, but
may not engage the
reader.
 The opening does not
establish a clear personal
voice.
 Title is simply a
restatement of the topic.
 Lacks a clear opening;
beginning may be dull
or uninteresting.
 The opening does not
introduce the narrator
or establish a personal
voice.
 Title is not present.
 The narrative techniques (e.g.
description, details, characters
and/or dialogue) develop
experiences, events, and/or
characters.
 The narrative includes all
necessary information (e.g.
characters, events, details) for
story to be clear and complete.
 The narrative includes reflection
of personal meaning. (e.g. theme
or message).
 The narrative techniques
(e.g. description, details,
characters and/or
dialogue) do not develop
experiences, events,
and/or characters.
 The narrative is missing
necessary information (e.g.
characters, events, details)
for story to be clear and
complete.
 The narrative is personal
and meaningful, but does
not include reflection of
personal meaning (e.g.
theme or message).
 Transitions may be
present, but are obvious,
trite, or occasionally
distracting.
 Organizational patterns
and reflection are present
but contrived or formulaic.
 The narrative
techniques are absent
and leave the reader
disconnected or
confused.
 The narrative feels
unfinished or
unfocused.
 The narrative lacks
meaning or significance.
 Conclusion solidifies the overall
narrative as a real
representation of a personal
experience that develops the
impact and connects to the
human experience.
 Language integrates poetic or
creative license with lucid and
accurate detail that reflects the
workings of memory.
 Language helps to establish a
voice that is distinctive and
engaging.
 Conclusion is clear and reflective,
and the impact of the experience
is suggested.
 Conclusion is present, but
does not include reflection.
 Conclusion may be
absent or confusing.
 Language attempts to
include poetic techniques
or figurative language, but
they are engaging.
 Words may be used
inappropriately or
incorrectly.
 Language does not
consistently maintain an
appropriate tone.
 Language is awkward
and/or distracting and
does not include poetic
techniques or figurative
language.
 Words are frequently
used inappropriately or
incorrectly.
 Language produces no
clear tone.
 Attempts sentence variety,
but with some awkward
constructions that require
revision.
 Syntax construction
impedes readability at
times.
 Errors impede
communication in some
portions of the response;
editing needed.
 Grammar usage and
punctuation are
attempted to be used for
stylistic effect.
 Lacks sentence variety;
structures are overly
simplistic or repetitive
 Uses syntax that causes
confusion or interferes
with message.
 Transitions guide the reader
through narrative.
 Organizational patterns (e.g.
foreshadowing, flashbacks,
reflection, dialogue, pacing, and
description) and reflection are
woven together in a logical
sequence throughout the
narrative.
Sentence
Fluency/
Syntax
 Creates and enhances cohesion
with purposeful syntax.
 Clarifies relationships among
and within ideas with word
phrases and clauses.
 Language includes poetic
techniques (e.g. alliteration, and
onomatopoeia) and figurative
language (e.g. simile, metaphor,
and personification) that engage
the audience.
 Precise and descriptive words
draw the audience to the
“remembered” experience.
 Language helps to establish and
maintain an appropriate tone
 Supports organizational patterns
and creates emphasis with varied
syntax.
 Contributes to readability with
correct constructions.
Conventions
 Errors, if present, are minimal
and do not distract the reader;
little or no editing needed.
 Grammar usage and
punctuation are deliberately
manipulated for stylistic effect.
 Errors do not impede
communication and rarely
distract the reader; minimal
editing needed.
 Grammar usage and punctuation
are used for stylistic effect.
Word Choice
and Tone
Conventions
Score: ______
Advanced
(Exceeds)
5
 Transitions are used
incorrectly or missing
and may create
confusion.
 Organizational patterns
or reflection are not
evident.
 Errors severely impede
communication;
considerable editing
needed.
 Grammar usage and
punctuation are not
used for stylistic effect.