Narrative Techniques
Dialogue
Multiple plot lines
Allegory
Irony
6-Traits
Categories
and Points
Ideas and Content
(20 possible)
Organization
(10 possible)
Voice
(10 possible)
Word Choice
(10 possible)
Sentence Fluency
(10 possible)
Mood
Imagery
Foreshadowing
Name _______________________________
Narrative Rubric
(100 points total)
Advanced
Proficient
Partially Proficient
Not proficient
Ideas are interesting and original
Narrative explains a real or imagined
experience
Narrative also thoroughly explains the
significance of the experience and/or the
outcome
Narrative techniques advance
experiences or events, develop
characters, and build to a significant
outcome
The introduction gets the reader’s
attention, clearly identifies the narrator
and characters, conflict and significance
Body paragraphs include an appropriate
sequence of events and characters that
build to a particular outcome or lesson
The conclusion reflects on what was
experienced and why it was significant
Paragraphing is effective and events or
experiences are in the right places
 Writer is aware of and interacts with the
audience
Tone and voice give flavor to the story
and make the writing unique and personal
Writer has a clear purpose in mind and
shows readers why they should care
about the topic, too
Ideas are not exactly unique or original
Narrative explains an experience might
lack detail
Narrative doesn’t thoroughly explain the
significance of the experience or the
outcome
Narrative techniques don’t completely
advance experiences or events, develop
characters, or build to a significant
outcome
There is an introduction, but it is not
inviting and/or complete.
Body paragraphs might be incomplete or
poorly sequenced.
Conclusion is present, but it doesn’t
adequately end the narrative or explain
the significance
Paragraphing is attempted but some
details are not in the right places
Ideas are bland or redundant
Narrative doesn’t adequately explain an
experience
Narrative doesn’t explain the
significance of the experience or the
outcome
No narrative techniques are used
Writer does not define or engage the
audience
Tone and voice are often hidden behind
general, unemotional language
Writer does not demonstrate a clear
purpose and/or show readers why they
should care about the topic, too
Hard to sense the writer behind the
words
Writing is monotone and flat
Writer seems uncomfortable or
disinterested in topic
Lively verbs and precise vocabulary
energize the writing
Striking phrases linger in readers’ minds
Figurative language and word variety
enhance the style and message
Words are precise, easy to understand
and convey a clear meaning
Descriptive words and phrases create a
vivid picture
Figurative language is natural and
effective, and word variety is transparent
Words are usually correct but they lack
flair or are often vague (ugly, tall, etc.)

Attempts at content-specific vocabulary,
figurative language or word variety may
be absent, overdone or unnatural
Words are used inappropriately or cause
confusion
Language is vague or riddled with
clichés or redundancy
Readers wonder what the writer is trying
to say
Sentences enhance meaning
Writer obviously manipulates sentence
construction for effect
A nice variety of sentences, including
short and complex, lend rhythm and
cadence to reading
Sentences help make meaning clear
Writer is in control of how the writing
sounds and reads
Sentences vary in length and in structure
Sentences get the job done, but some are
unclear
Parts of the text have cadence; others
may sound stiff, choppy, or awkward
Some variation in sentence length and
structure
Sentences are difficult to read
Endless connections (and, so, but then,
and then, etc.) or awkward construction
interfere with meaning
Little variation in sentence length and
structure
Ideas are fresh, engaging, and unique
Narrative explains an intriguing
experience
Narrative provides a detailed
explanation of the significance
Sophisticated narrative techniques
engage readers in the experience,
characters, and outcome
The introduction adequately opens the
short story in a unique, crafty manner
Body paragraphs advance the sequence
of events to an outcome in a unique way
The conclusion thoroughly reflects on
what was experienced and why it was
significant
Paragraphing enhances experiences and
events in the story
Writer consistently engages and
interacts with audience
Tone and voice distinguish this writer
from others. Style is truly unique and
personal.
Writer has a clear purpose and
encourages readers to care and act!
There is not an introduction; the story
just takes off
It’s not clear within the body how
details fit together or are sequenced
There is no conclusion and/or
conclusion doesn’t explain the
significance of the experience
Paragraphing is missing, irregular, or
too infrequent
Conventions
(15 possible)
Presentation
(5 possible)
Format and
Requirements
(20 possible)
Conventions aide in meaning
Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
are consistently used appropriately and
for style
Only occasional editing required to
perfect conventions
Correct MLA heading is used
Entire narrative is double-spaced with
12 pt. font
Narrative is visually appealing
Visuals enhance presentation and
meaning
Conventions do not distract from the
meaning
Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
is generally correct
Only light editing required to polish
conventions
Correct MLA heading is used
Entire narrative is double-spaced with
easy-to-read 12-pt. font
Narrative is visually appealing and neat
Problems with conventions sometimes
distract readers from the meaning
Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
may be incorrect or missing
Moderate editing would be required to
polish conventions
An attempt to use the MLA heading is
apparent, but it is not entirely correct
Narrative may not be double-spaced or
typed with a simple 12-pt. font
Narrative is not necessarily visually
appealing and/or neat
Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
errors are very noticeable and seriously
distract from the meaning
Readers wonder what the writer is trying
to say
Prewrites and rough drafts are thorough
and useful
Self and peer edits thoughtful
Follows the format for a narrative
The level of formality (content and
style) is very fitting for this narrative
Prewrites and rough drafts included
Self and peer edits included
Follows the format for a narrative
(personal experience with significant
outcome or lesson)
The level of formality (content and
style) is appropriate for this narrative
Prewrites and rough drafts included but
not detailed
Self and peer edits included but not
thorough and/or thoughtful
Mostly follows the format for a narrative
(personal experience with significant
outcome or lesson)
The level of formality is not always
appropriate
No prewrites and/or rough drafts
Self and peer edits not included
Does not follow the format for a
narrative (personal experience with
significant outcome or lesson)
The level of formality is not appropriate
Self Assessment
Teacher Assessment
Score
Score
Kudos
Kudos
Goals
Goals
There is no heading
Narrative is not double- spaced and/or
does not use 12-pt. font
Narrative is not visually appealing