Descriptive Writing Rubric
Use of sensory details
(sight, smell, taste,
touch, sound)
Word choice
Level 1
-includes a sensory
detail to enhance
descriptive writing
Level 2
-uses a few sensory
details to enhance
descriptive writing
Level 3
-writing is supported
with many examples of
sensory details
Level 4
-clear ideas are wellsupported with
interesting and vivid
sensory details
-simple words are used
throughout writing
-some interesting words
are used throughout
writing
-interesting words are
used throughout writing
-vivid and interesting
words are used to “help
paint a picture” for the
reader
-includes an example of
a metaphor, simile and
personification
-includes thoughtful and
creative examples of
metaphors, similes and
personification
throughout writing
-uses both simple and
complex, complete
sentences
-attempts to include
figurative language
(metaphors, simile and
personification)
Sentence Structure
-includes a simple
example of figurative
language
-many examples of
sentence fragments or
run-on sentences
appear in writing
-some sentence
fragments or run-on
sentences appear in
writing
-uses complete
sentences
-simple and repetitive
sentences are used
throughout
-some evidence of
varied sentences
-varied sentences are
used throughout
varied lengths and
types of sentences are
used throughout