6-Trait Rubric for Mystery Story

5 Word Choice Words are specific and accurate. There are striking words and phrases (figurative language) that add to the tone of mystery. Lively verbs, specific nouns enhance the story. Sentence enhance the meaning. Sentences vary in length as well as structure. Purposeful and varied sentence beginnings. Creative and appropriate connections. Spelling is correct. Punctuation is accurate. Grammar and usage are correct. Paragraphing

4 You are beginning to experiment with idioms and metaphors (figurative language). New words are attempted.

3 Words are adequate. Some chance is taken with using new vocabulary. Fairly basic words used.

2 Very plain, everyday words are used. There is not experimentation in the words used.

1 Many of the words dont work. Words and phrases are unimaginative. Language is used incorrectly.

Sentence Fluency

Some sentences really stand out. Many are varied. Beginnings could use some work; however, connections are made.

Sentences get the job done in routine fashion. Sentences are constructed correctly. The beginnings are not ALL alike; some variety is attempted.

Sentences are usually constructed correctly. The beginnings of the sentences are almost all the same. Little variety is attempted.

Sentence are incomplete, rambling or awkward. No sentence sense is present. Sentences begin in the same way. Does not invite reading aloud. Oh NO!! There is not punctuation. I didnt even attempt to edit this paper so my grammar is all over the place!

Conventions

Spelling is generally correct. Grammar and usage have clearly been editing. Paragraphing is fairly sound.

Spelling is usually correct. End punctuation is usually correct. All words are capitalized

Spelling is phonetically spelled. End punctuation is usually correct and capitals are usually

is sound. Conventions are manipulated for style and it works effectively.

correctly. Problems with grammar and usage are not serious. Moderate editing is evident.

used. There are more than minor problems with grammar and usage. Paragraphing is attempted. Information is limited in the story. The story is not developed enough and the ideas are not clear. General observations are the only ones used. There is no clear story developed. Information is unclear. The text is repetitious.

Ideas

This story is clear and focused. Relevant anecdotes and details add to the story. Ideas are fresh and original.

Anecdotes and details are used in some instances. Ideas are moving towards fresh and original. The story is fairly clear and focused.

You are beginning to develop the story, even thought the development is still too basic. Ideas are reasonably clear. Still using general observations. Reader is left with questions. There is a clear beginning, middle and end. There is a problem but it is fairly basic and lacked development.

Ideas (Mystery)

A clear feeling of suspense is evident. Plot is well developed. Problem/mystery is clearly identified. There are events leading up to the climax. Resolution is clear. An inviting introduction draws the reader in; a satisfying conclusion leaves

A feeling of suspense is somewhat evident. There is a clear plot with a problem. Events lead up to a climax, but isnt fully developed.

There is a clear beginning but the end/resolution is clearly rushed and not developed. The problem is not developed and I have a difficult time identifying the problem.

Is this a mystery? I cant tell.

Organization

The writing begins strong but contains a predictable ending. More complex

The structure is strong enough to move the reader through without too much confusion.

Writing is lacking Uh oh! How does a clear sense of it all go together? I direction throughout am confused. the paper. There is little evidence of

reader with closure. Thoughtful Transitions connect ideas. Structure is appropriate for audience and paragraphing is effective. Voice You own the topic! You are taking real risks by creating a truly individual piece of writing. Use topic, details and language that strongly connects with the audience.

transitions are attempted. Paragraphing is mostly effective.

There is a recognizable introduction and conclusion. Transitions are basic ones such as then, first, last.

paragraphing. The problems with organization make it a bit hard for the reader to understand the main story line.

You speak to the reader in several places; however, there is some telling where you should be showing. Writing is still somewhat personal.

You seem sincere but not fully engaged in your writing. A summary conceals your individuality. You attempt to connect with audience, but writing is impersonal.

You have not engaged the audience in your writing. This is a routine response to the assignment. The barest hint of you is present.

No awareness of audience is evident. Nothing distinguishes your work from your peers work. Writing is risk-free with no sense of who you are.