Short Story or Memoir Assignment & Rubric
Tasks:
Name: ________________
A. Write an original short story (in a genre) or a memoir.
B. Don’t just start writing: brainstorm, plan, play before you start. Great starters are plot graphs, character sketches (in words or
visuals), setting descriptions, thematic ideas, etc. Use the starter ideas and organization tools from either the short story or
memoir folders. Please talk to the teacher to bounce ideas, or if you get stuck, etc.
C. Length: as long as it takes; however 1000 – 2500 words (3-6 pages) is a manageable length.
D. Hand in all rough work, planning notes, drafts, etc.
E. You should have two editors for your piece. Push the editor for useful and in depth comments – both positive and critical.
There are marks for the editing.
F. Be sure to be a useful editor for someone else, especially if you were unable to edit on the previous assignment.
G. After you have written your final draft, please write a reflection of 250 - 400 words that covers both of the following prompts.
 Identify and explain any specific creative choices you made throughout the writing process. Address aspects of the
prose skills.
 Explain how your own beliefs or values or experiences are revealed in your final draft.
Strand
B1. Exploring Ideas,
Forms, & Styles
Storyline / theme
Command of structure
and genre
Use of prose skills
aspects: description,
characterization,
dialogue, (stream of
consciousness, satire if
applicable)
Insufficient
Storyline /
theme are weak
Lacking
important
elements; logic
issues
Lacking useful
application of
prose skills
B2. Drafting &
Revising
Word choices
are vague,
bland, incorrect
Style (syntax and word
choice)
Narrative voice
impedes story
Narrative voice
Writing process
work is very
thin,
inconsistent
with finished
product, not
submitted.
Writing process
(planning, process, drafts,
editing, revision)
B3. Editing,
Proofreading
Sp., Gr., Dialogue
punctuation
No evidence of
editing; errors
impede
meaning or
detract from
piece
Level 1
Level 3
Level 4
Storyline / theme shows
some originality,
complexity
Storyline / theme
shows originality,
complexity
Storyline / theme is
original, complex,
subtle
Uses some of the
elements of the genre &
structure with limited
effectiveness
Uses most of the
elements of the genre &
structure fairly well;
some unevenness
Uses all the elements
of the genre &
structure
Effectively innovates
with genre & structure
Poor or limited use of
prose skills
Aspects of some prose
skills used; uneven in
places
Solid application of
aspects of the prose
skills in writing
Nuanced use of prose
skills greatly enhances
writing
Word choices need
more variety and
vitality
Word choice shows
some variety and
vitality
Narrative voice detracts
from mood &/or fails to
add to the story in a
useful way
Narrative voice adds
some depth, may be
intrusive sometimes
Word choice shows
considerable variety
and vitality
Narrative voice
furthers
plot/character
development
Word choice shows a
high degree of variety
and vitality
Narrative voice adds
depth and nuance to
story
Applies the writing
process with limited
effectiveness
Applies grammar,
usage, spelling, and
punctuation with
limited accuracy and
effectiveness
B4. Collaborative Writing – on peer editing sheet
Refl. paragraph present,
C1. Metacogition
Not submitted;
but surface quality;
feels rushed /
Creative choices &
feels rushed; poorly
does not match
prose skills
addresses creative
content of piece
choices and personal
Personal beliefs,
beliefs, values,
values, experiences
experiences
Comments:
Level 2
Storyline / theme
shows limited
originality
Applies the writing
process with skill for a
desired effect
Applies the writing
process with some
effectiveness
Applies the writing
process effectively
Applies grammar,
usage, spelling, and
punctuation with some
accuracy and
effectiveness
Applies grammar,
usage, spelling, and
punctuation with
considerable
accuracy and
effectiveness
Applies grammar,
usage, spelling, and
punctuation with a high
degree of accuracy and
effectiveness
Reflection paragraph is
present but uneven in
depth, and unevenly
addresses creative
choices and personal
beliefs, values,
experiences
Reflection paragraph
is clear and addresses
creative choices and
personal beliefs,
values, experiences
Reflection paragraph is
thorough and
sophisticated,
addressing creative
choices and personal
beliefs, values,
experiences