Short Story Unit Assessment: Due _____________________
One of the most accessible genres of literature is the Short Story genre because students enjoy
the suspense and quickly developing plot lines within short pieces of fiction. Also, short stories engage
readers with their development of fascinating characters and the literary techniques used within them
showcase the exceptional writing skills of the author. In order to demonstrate your understanding of
plot, characterization, and the literary techniques used in these stories, you will write a short story of
your own which utilizes various literary techniques.
Write a 2-3 page short story of your own in which you create vividly described characters and a
captivating plot. Use a plot diagram to outline the major conflicts in your story and fully develop your
characters. Within your story, you must use the following literary techniques: suspense, foreshadowing,
imagery, direct characterization, indirect characterization, and mood. Additionally, your story must
have a clear theme that is communicated to the reader.
Rubric: (keep and attach to completed story with completed plot diagram)
Category
Plot
15 pts.
10 pts.
5 pts.
1 pt.
Story has a welldeveloped plot with a
clear exposition, climax,
and resolution which has
been drawn out on a
plot diagram.
Writer attempts to
develop the plot
but the conflicts are
unconvincing or the
climax is unclear.
Writer has a
completed plot
diagram.
Characters are
somewhat well
described but they
do not seem
realistic. The reader
can mostly imagine
the way they look,
act, or speak.
The writer uses
suspense,
foreshadowing,
imagery, direct
characterization,
indirect
characterization,
and mood to some
extent.
Writer is missing
some parts of plot
or the story does not
entirely follow a
plot structure.
Writer has a
partially completed
plot diagram.
Some characters are
well described while
others are not. The
reader cannot
imagine how all
characters would
look, act, or speak.
Writer has an
underdeveloped plot
that is confusing or
does not have enough
conflict. Does not have
a plot diagram.
The writer uses
some, but not all of
the following
devices: suspense,
foreshadowing,
imagery, direct
characterization,
indirect
characterization,
and mood.
The story includes a
theme that is weak
or not meaningful.
The writer does not
appropriately use
suspense,
foreshadowing,
imagery, direct
characterization,
indirect
characterization, and
mood to add to their
story.
The story does not
include an obvious or
recognizable theme.
Characters
Characters are fully
described so that they
seem like real people.
The reader can imagine
the way they look, act,
and speak.
Literary
Techniques
The writer effectively
uses suspense,
foreshadowing, imagery,
direct characterization,
indirect characterization,
and mood to make the
story engaging.
Theme
The story includes a
recognizable theme that
is logical and meaningful
to readers.
The story includes a
theme that is mostly
logical and is
somewhat
meaningful to most
readers.
Total pts. _______ / 60
Characters are
underdeveloped. The
reader cannot imagine
how they might look,
act, or speak.