Senior English Exam Rubric – Option 1: 2 Voice Poem
_____Stimulating Ideas (5 points x2)
 Focuses on two characters from two different works
 Brings to life the characters’ attitudes, beliefs, emotions, concerns, etc.
 Contains strong word images that accurately depict the characters (shows rather than tells)
 Conveys thoughtful analysis of the characters
 Reveals similarities or differences in the characters through juxtaposition of the voices
 Conveys a connection between the characters
 SHOWS your SO WHAT – Meaning beyond summary
_____Characterization (5 points)
 Speaks in the voices of the characters
 Maintains consistent voices that reflect the mood, attitude and feelings of both individual characters
_____Diction (5 points)
 Word choice creates the desired tone and effect
 Uses language in careful, thoughtful and purposely-placed manner
 Uses high level vocabulary that is specific to the subject, character and time
_____ Effective Sentence Style (5 points)
 Moves smoothly from one voice to the other and sounds effective when read aloud
 Characters’ lines occasionally merge creatively to accentuate the juxtaposition
 Uses effective punctuation and line breaks to juxtapose the two characters and create rhythm
 Sentence length varies
_____ Correct, Accurate Copy (5 points)
 Includes an original and insightful title that adds meaning to the piece
 Adheres to the basic rules of spelling and grammar
 Follows the format for a 2-voice poem (alternating lines of bold or columns)
 Uses white space in an effective and appealing way
 Is at least 20 lines long for EACH character
 Is neatly typed with proper MLA heading
_____ Delivery (5 points x2)
 Eye contact is sufficient to hold the audience’s attention and convey confidence
 Inflection in voice matches or creates meaning
 Rate (speed) is reflective of the mood and changes throughout as needed
 Volume is loud enough for all in the room to hear
 Vocal fillers are minor and do not distract from the poem
 Body language is controlled and deliberate and does not distract nor hinder the message
 Body positions and movements are controlled, intentional, well-timed and contribute to the meaning of the piece
_____The Statement of Intent (10 points)
 Is typed in a formal paragraph
 States the SO WHAT (interpretation or universal meaning) of the poem
 Identifies WHAT features create that meaning: literary techniques (title, diction, imagery, figurative language, etc.) and
performance (rate, positions, movements, volume, etc.)
 Explains HOW each feature functions to contribute to the meaning
TOTAL _________/50
5=Excellent
4=Good 3=Fair 2=Poor
1=Inadequate
0=No Attempt Made
Exam Rubric – Option 2: Narrative
_____ Stimulating Ideas (5 points x2)
 Focuses on a significant event in the work
 Brings to life the characters’ attitudes, beliefs, emotions, concerns, etc.
 Contains strong word images – shows instead of just tells
 Begins with a strong engaging lead
 Includes a clear beginning, middle and end
 Develops and maintains tension
 SHOWS A SO WHAT (Overall meaning is clear)
_____ Engaging Voice & Diction (written) (5 points)
 Speaks in an alternative point of view (different from the original work)
 Speaks in a voice that reflects the character’s personality, beliefs, attitude, etc.
 Stays true to characterization from the text/film
 Maintains a consistent voice throughout
_____Diction (5 points)
 Words are chosen to create the desired tone and effect
 Uses language in careful, thoughtful, and purposeful manner
 Uses high level vocabulary that is specific to the subject, character and time
_____ Sentence Style (5 points)
 Sentences are varied in length and structure
 Uses mature stylistic features such as parallel structure, transitions, and literary devices (simile, metaphor, irony, etc.)
 Punctuation is carefully chosen to convey the tone
 Uses vivid imagery and dialogue to show rather than tell
_____Correct, Accurate Copy (5 points)
 Includes an original and insightful title that adds meaning to the piece
 Follows the proper rules of grammar, punctuation and spelling
 Maintains a consistent verb tense
 Includes an original, insightful title that adds meaning to the piece
 Is a minimum of 2 double spaced pages
 Is neatly typed with proper MLA heading & format
_____Delivery (5 points x2)
 Eye contact is sufficient to hold the audience’s attention and to convey confidence
 Inflection in voice matches or creates the meaning of the piece
 Rate (speed) is reflective of the mood and changes throughout as needed
 Volume is loud enough for all in the room to hear
 Vocal fillers are minor and do not hinder the comprehension
 Body language is controlled and deliberate, posture is poised, and does not distract nor hinder the message
_____ Statement of Intent (10 points)
 Is typed in a formal paragraph
 States the SO WHAT (interpretation or universal meaning) of the narrative
 Identifies WHAT features create that meaning: literary techniques (title, diction, imagery, figurative language, dialogue, etc.)
 Explains HOW each feature functions to contribute to the meaning (How does your point of view further the meaning of the
text, or what you want to say about the text?
TOTAL _________/50
5=Excellent
4=Good 3=Fair 2=Poor
1=Inadequate
0=No Attempt Made