Amherst Regional High School English Department/ Rubric for Imaginative Writing

Name_______________________________________________________

Class_______________________________________________________

Paper_______________________________________________________

Key:

5= Thoroughly or deeply

4= Essentially or mostly

3= Partially or basically

2= Barely or minimally

1= Poorly or not at all

IDEA DEVELOPMENT

  • The piece is clear, well-supported, and full of intriguing details.
  • Most of the details are unusual, not cliché, beyond the obvious.
  • The writing offers a unique perspective and original insights.
  • Development of ideas fully engages the reader.
  • The writing is based on imaginative and experiential ideas.
  • Ideas, subtext, and metaphor work well within the specific genre.

 

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ORGANIZATION

  • The structure of the piece is compelling and sparks interest right from the beginning.
  • All sections of the writing ultimately connect to a main point.
  • Pacing is varied, unique, or appropriate to the genre.
  • Transitions and conclusion are strong and offer occasional surprises. 

 

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VOICE

  • The writing bears the fingerprints of this writer.
  • Silent and oral readings evoke multisensory insights. 
  • The writing offers emotional depth.
  • The writer and reader connection is authentic.
  • The writing is provocative, designed to hold a reader’s attention

 

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WORD CHOICE

  • Language is memorable and/or lyrical.
  • Language choices enhance the tone of the writing.
  • Phrasing is original—even poignant—yet the language is never overdone.
  • Lively verbs lend the writing power.
  • Striking words or phrases linger in the reader’s mind.

 

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LANGUAGE FLUENCY

  • Thoughts are well-crafted.
  • Thoughts relate to and build on the ones before.
  • The writer is playful with style – short punchy lines pop up amid the longer ones.
  • Rhythmic, expressive phrasing enhances voice.
  • Fragments, when used, add style.

 

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CONVENTIONS

  • Informalities and artful manipulation of conventions may add to tone, voice, or visual character
  • The text appears clean, edited, and polished.

 

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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:

 

 

 

 

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