MCAP ELA Narrative Writing Rubric, Grades 6-8 and 10

4 points

Develops experiences or events using highly effective techniques, well- chosen details, and well-structured event sequences. Develops clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Is developed with effective narrative techniques and creates an effective progression of experiences or events. Includes a well-developed thematic or topical link to the sources which enhances the narrative. Uses precise words, telling details, and sensory language to convey a clear and vivid depiction of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.

3 points

Develops experiences or events using mostly effective techniques, details, and structured event sequences. Develops mostly clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are mostly appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Is developed with appropriate narrative techniques and creates a mostly effective progression of experiences or events. Includes a mostly developed thematic or topical link to the sources which supports the narrative. Uses words, telling details, and sensory language to convey a mostly clear and logical depiction of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.

2 points

Develops experiences or events using somewhat effective techniques, details, and event sequences. Develops somewhat clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are somewhat appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience. Includes a generally developed thematic or topical link to the sources which somewhat supports the narrative. Uses effective details and language to convey a basic and somewhat logical depiction of experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.

1 point

Develops limited experiences or events using minimally effective techniques, details, and event sequences. Develops minimally coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are minimally appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience. Is minimally developed with narrative techniques and is limited in its progression of experiences of events. Includes a minimally effective thematic or topical link to the sources which limits the narrative. Uses limited language and details in an attempt to convey experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.

0 points

Uses undeveloped experiences or events with missing or inaccurate techniques, details, and events. Lacks coherent writing, organization, and style for the task, purpose, and audience. Is undeveloped and/or inappropriate; is missing narrative elements and is undeveloped in its progression of experiences or events. Lacks a thematic or topical link to the sources or the link is inappropriate or inaccurate. Lacks details, uses inappropriate language, and does not convey experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.

3 points

The response demonstrates a full command of conventions of standard English at the appropriate level of complexity. Sentence structures are varied, well-formed, and effectively controlled. Grammar and usage are strong and effective, enhancing the content of the response. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are mostly correct.

2 points

The response demonstrates a partial command of conventions of standard English at the appropriate level of complexity. Sentence structures show some variety and are generally controlled. Grammar and usage may be uneven and may occasionally impede understanding. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are generally correct.

1 point

The response demonstrates little command of conventions of standard English at the appropriate level of complexity. Sentence structure and control are limited. Errors in grammar and usage may be frequent and may impede understanding. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization may be incorrect and/or unclear.

0 points

The response does not demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English at the appropriate level of complexity. Frequent and varied errors in mechanics, grammar, and usage impede understanding.