Narrative Writing

Personal Narrative Rubric Created by Mr. Rojas – 5th grade at McKinley School (PUSD)

Expectations of an A+ Personal Narrative • • • • • • • • • • • •

Writing has few, if any, errors. Consistently uses correct spelling. Consistently uses correct capitalization. Consistently uses correct punctuation and other mechanics (end marks, commas, quotation marks, apostrophes, colons & semi colons, abbreviations, hyphens, etc.). Consistently uses correct sentence structure (no fragments, run-ons, ramblings, or awkward sentences). Consistently uses a variety of sentence types (simple, compound, and complex). Consistently uses correct verb tenses and subject-verb agreement in sentences. The beginning engages readers by presenting them with details of characters, setting, or plot. The middle is well-developed. The end creatively wraps up the action and completes the story. Includes a rough draft with clearly marked corrections, using editing and revising marks. Includes a graphic organizer (story map) that contains the main elements of the story.

Category

Score

Conventions (Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation, Grammar, Usage, & Mechanics) (5 points possible)

Organization (5 points possible)

• • • • •

Addresses all parts of the writing prompt. Stays on topic. Has smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs. The story follows a logical sequence, presenting the details in a way that makes sense to the reader. Writing is skillfully adapted to the audience (addresses the audience stated in the writing prompt). Maintains a consistent point of view throughout the story (either first person or third person).

Focus (5 points possible)

• • • • • • • •

The setting is described through vivid sensory language and shows how it relates to the experience. The plot is interesting, and the conflict is established, developed, and resolved after a gripping climax. Most characters are well-developed through dialogue, their actions (behavior), and their thoughts. Dialogue sounds realistic. The main characters remain true to the way they are introduced and if they change or grow during the story, the change is logical and in keeping with the events of the story. The underlying theme, whether stated or unstated, is easily assumed and is consistent with the plot and the characters. Uses descriptive word-choice to create clear pictures in the reader’s mind (will use colorful adjectives, specific nouns, and precision-action verbs to accomplish this). Writing does not just tell “what”, but also “tells” how something looks, feels, smells, sounds, tastes, Uses figurative language to make writing more descriptive: similes, metaphors, exaggerations, hyperboles, personification, etc.

Percent: _____ %

Final Grade: ____

Genre (Story Elements)

(5 points possible)

Total Points J ____ / 20

Name

Date

Personal Narrative Checklist I followed the directions for writing a narrative. I wrote about an experience that happened to me or to someone I know. My introduction gets my reader’s attention and tells him or her what my story will be about. I used the first person point of view (I) in my story. My story has a title. I described events in the order in which they happened. I included details to help my reader picture the experience. I included words to describe my feelings about the events. My conclusion ends my story. I showed my reader why this experience was important to me and what I learned from it. I stayed on topic throughout my paper. I checked my writing for misspelled words. I checked my writing for errors in punctuation. My paper is neat.

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