Third Grade Narrative Writing Rubric

Does Not Meet / Meets / Exceeds
Ready To Begin (1) / Exploring (2) / Expanding (3) / Extending (4) / Established (5)
Ideas / * searching for an idea, based on real or imagined experience
* limited information
* vague details
* random thoughts / * hints at an idea, based on real or imagined experience
* reader left with many unanswered questions
* sporadic details
* glimmer of main point / * establishes a situation and introduces the narrator
* reasonably clear ideas
* details present but not precise
* shows some specifics / * establishes a situation and introduces the narrator
*Uses descriptive details
* new ways of thinking about topic attempted
* writer understands topic / * establishes a situation and introduces the narrator
*Ideas fully developed through descriptive details (thoughts, actions and feelings of characters)
*uses effective dialogue
* clear, focused, and answers readers’ questions
Organizationon / * no lead or conclusion
* sequencing not present
* no awareness of pacing
* hard to follow / * ineffective lead and conclusion
* some sequencing apparent
* pacing awkward
* some attempt at structure / * routine lead and conclusion
* mainly logical sequencing
* common structures detract from content (i.e. Once upon a time, the end)
* Some use of transition (temporal) words and phrases attempted / * effective lead and conclusion
*sequencing works well
* well-controlled pacing
* smooth flow
* transition/temporal words used but not always effectively / * inviting introduction and satisfying conclusion
* masterful organization and artful pacing used for stylistic effect
* effective use of a variety of transition/temporal wordsto signify event order
Voice / * no concern for audience
* lifeless and mechanical
* flat or inappropriate
* purpose not present / * occasionally aware of audience
* general statements require reader interpretation
* tries to engage reader
* hints at purpose / * occasionally intrigues the reader
* pleasing, yet “safe”
* writer/reader connection fades in and out
* purpose inconsistent / * interesting and engaging most of the time
* pleasing; takes risks / * compelling and engaging
* takes effective risks
* reflects interest in and commitment to the story or experience
* purpose is clear and powerful
*writer’s personality shines through
Word Choice
Word Choice / * vocabulary is limited
* simple words used incorrectly
* words do not convey meaning / * generally correct words; no spice
* language is functional
* attempts interesting words
* words convey general meaning / * some active verbs and precise nouns
* one or two shining moments
* experiments with interesting language
* words begin to enhance meaning / * effective and creative verbs and nouns
* wording mostly correct
*word choice is effective
* words and phrases work well / * powerful and engaging words
* wording is accurate and precise
* artful use of word choice
* words/language create meaningful pictures
Does Not Meet / Meets / Exceeds
Ready To Begin (1) / Exploring (2) / Expanding (3) / Extending (4) / Established (5)
Sentence FluencyFluency / * choppy, rambling, or incomplete sentences
* oral reading not possible
* repetitive beginnings / * some simple sentences
* occasional conjunctions
*oral reading difficult
*attempts variation in sentence beginnings / * attempts compound and complex sentences
* sentences usually connect
* parts invite oral reading
* sentences begin in different ways / * begins to have easy flow and rhythm
* strong and varied structure
* oral reading encourages expression in places
* sentences well crafted / * polished rhythm, cadence, and flow
* creative use of sentence length and structure (simple, compound, and complex sentences)
* invites expressive reading
* sentences enhance meaning
Conventions / * spelling errors impede readability
* incorrect punctuation and capitalization
* many grammar errors / * spelling errors on easy words
* errors on basic punctuation and capitalization
* some usage and grammar errors / * spelling generally correct on grade level words
* routine punctuation and capitalization
* grammar errors are infrequent / * few spelling errors even on more difficult words
* consistent use of punctuation and capitalization
* grammar and usage correct / * spelling correct even on more difficult words
* accurate and creative use of punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and usage
*demonstrates growing command of the conventions of standard written English (with occasional errors that do not interfere materially with the underlying message).
Presentation / * handwriting unreadable
* random spacing or lack of spacing
* overall appearance unacceptable / * handwriting poor
* some thought given to spacing
*overall appearance distracting / * handwriting mostly readable but inconsistent
* attempts consistent spacing
* overall appearance is acceptable / * legible handwriting
* spacing improves clarity
* experiments with graphic elements
* overall appearance shows balance and proportion / * consistent and uniform handwriting
* good balance of space and text
* effectively integrates graphic elements
* overall appearance is pleasing

Troup County Schools 2012

Third GradeNarrative Writing Rubric