CATEGORY

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Great Lead / Introduction

First sentence has a “grabber” or catchy beginning, includes the main idea and or theme and no details.

First sentence has a weak“grabber” but does include the main idea.

A catchy beginning was attempted but was confusing rather than catchy.

No attempt was made to catch the reader’s attention; there is no main idea.

Characters

The main characters are named and inner and/or outer traits are clearly described. Most readers could describe the characters accurately.

The main characters are named and described. Most readers would have some idea of how to describe the characters,

The main characters are named. The reader knows very little about the characters.

It is hard to tell who the main characters are.

Setting

Many vivid, descriptive words are used to tell when and where the story took place.

Some vivid, descriptive words are used to tell the audience when and where the story took place.

The reader can figure out when and where the story took place, but the author didn’t supply much detail.

The reader has trouble figuring out when and where the story took place.

Problem/Conflict

It is very easy for the reader to understand the problem the main characters face and why it is a problem.

It is fairly easy for the reader to understand the problem the main characters face and why it is a problem.

It is fairly easy for the reader to understand the problem the main characters face but it is not clear why it is a problem.

It is not clear what problem the main characters face.

Solution/Resolution

The solution to the character’s problem is easy to understand, and is logical. There are no loose ends.

The solution to the character’s problem is easy to understand, and is somewhat logical.

The solution to the character’s problem is a little hard to understand.

No solution is attempted or it is impossible to understand.

Events / Action

Several action verbs (active voice) are used to describe what is happening in the story. An event is popped out to make story more exciting!

Several action verbs are used to describe what is happening in the story, but the events don’t make the story as exciting as it could be.

A variety of verbs (passive voice) are used and describe the action accurately but not in a very exciting way. No event is popped out.

Little variety seen in the verbs that are used. The story seems a little boring.

Details: Evidence, Explanations and Examples

All of the details include evidence and examples which are specific and relevant and or explanations that show, not tells, how each detail supports the main idea.

Most of the details include evidence and examples which are specific and relevant.  Explanations are given that show, not tells, how each detail supports the main idea.

At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the main idea.

Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained.

Conclusion

The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader wanting more. Effective restatement, summary or concluding statement is used.

The conclusion is leaves the reader wanting more. A closing is used.

A conclusion is attempted but leaves the reader flat and or confused.

A conclusion is not used.