Criteria 4 3 2 1 Point of View Opening Lines Setting Atmosphere PoV is clear, consistent and engaging. PoV is clear, and consistent. PoV shifts occasionally. PoV is not always clear or consistent Opening Lines Opening is engaging and original Opening is engaging Opening is clear but not engaging Opening is confusing Setting Setting is vividly created and important to the story. Setting is clearly established and important to the story. Setting is clear but not overly important to the story. Little to no attempt to establish setting. Atmosphere Highly effective details create the perfect atmo-sphere for the story. Well chosen details create an appropriate atmo-sphere for the story. Some details contribute to atmosphere. Little to no attempt to create atmosphere. Character Effective details create highly engaging characters. Well chosen details create engaging characters. One or more characters are not well developed or developed inconsistently Characterization is shallow and or very inconsistent. Foreshadowing Excellent use of foreshadowing. Good use of foreshadowing. Foreshadowing is attempted but not successfully. Little to no attempt to create foreshadowing. Reaching the Climax All plot elements work together and build to a suspenseful climax All plot elements work together and build to a climax Most plot elements work together and build to a climax One or more elements is missing and/or there is no climax. Conclusion The story comes to a highly effective and satisfying conclusion. The story comes to an effective and satisfying conclusion. The story comes to a clear end, but the reader is left with some questions. The story ends abruptly or in a way that makes no sense.

Use of Figurative Language Variety in sentence length Strong Verbs Verbs are strong and highly effective. Verbs are strong and effective. Verbs are sometimes strong and effective. Verbs are rarely strong and effective. Vivid Words Precise and vivid word choice. Precise word choice. Word choice is sometimes inaccurate or simplistic Word choice is often inaccurate or simplistic Use of Figurative Language Highly effective and original choices Effective choices Some attempt to use figurative language effectively Little or no attempt to use figurative language Use of Transitions Highly effective transitions create a coherent story that flows beautifully Well chosen transitions create a coherent, easy to follow story Some good choices for transitions but there are some gaps in coherence. There are few transitions and the story is hard to follow. Variety in Openings Excellent variety in sentence openings. Good variety in sentence openings. Some variety in sentence openings. Little variety in sentence openings. Variety in sentence length Excellent variety in sentence lengths. Good variety in sentence lengths. Some variety in sentence lengths. Little variety in sentence lengths. Mechanics Excellent-no errors Very good –one or two errors that do not detract from readability Several errors that impede readability Many errors