Unit 3: Flash Fiction Assignment Rubric

Requirements

3
Meaningful Title

Narrative Elements:
setting, point of view,
theme (out of 9)

Characterization (out of 9)

Plot Structure and

Conflict (out of 9)

The story contains a creative

title reflecting the story's
significance/theme

The story contains a title

reflecting the story's
significance/theme

The story contains a title.

The story has no title.

The setting, both where and

when, has been skillfully
established.
The story maintains a
consistent point of view, and
the point of view chosen
enhances the story
The theme is clear and
developed throughout the
story.

The setting has been

established, although there
may be some confusion.
The point of view is
consistent.
The theme is present in the
story.

The setting is unclear;

only one aspect of
setting has been
established..
The point of view is
occasionally consistent .
The theme is hard to
determine.

There is no description
of the setting.
The point of view is not
consistent or meaningful
to the story's progress.
There is no determinable
theme.

Skillfully uses narrative

techniques (dialogue,
descriptions, etc.) to develop
characters.
Includes at least one clear
example of indirect
characterization
Includes at least one clear
example of direct
characterization.

Consistently uses narrative

techniques (dialogue,
descriptions, etc.) to develop
characters.
Includes at least one
example of indirect
characterization
Includes at one clear
example of direct
characterization.

Inconsistently uses
narrative techniques
(dialogue, descriptions,
etc.) to develop
characters.
Includes an unclear
example of indirect
characterization.
Includes an unclear
example of direct
characterization.

The story skillfully engages

the reader by introducing at
least one conflict.
The story skillfully uses a
variety of techniques to
sequence the events so that
they create a particular tone
and outcome (e.g. a sense of
mystery, suspense, growth,
etc.)
The writing skillfully
contains a smooth
progression of experiences
and events.

The story engages the reader

by introducing at least one
conflict.
The story uses some
techniques to sequence the
events so that they create a
particular tone and outcome
(e.g. a sense of mystery,
suspense, growth, etc.)
The writing contains a
consistent progression of
experiences and events.

The story introduces at

least one conflict.
The story uses
techniques to sequence
the events, but the
purpose may be unclear.
The writing contains a
vague progression of
experiences and events.

There is no use of
meaningful narrative
techniques such as
meaningful word choice
or dialogue.
Does not include indirect
characterization.
Does not include direct
characterization.

There is no conflict.
There is no tone and/or
meaningful sequence of
events.
There is no determinable
progression of events.

Conventions
Language (out of 3)

Demonstrates an skillful
command of standard
English conventions, unless
dialogue calls for otherwise.
Skillfully employs language
and tone appropriate for
audience and purpose.
No grammatical errors that
interfere with understanding.

Demonstrates a command of
standard English
conventions, unless dialogue
calls for otherwise.
Employs language and tone
appropriate for audience and
purpose.
Few grammatical errors that
interfere with understanding.

Word count must be

included at bottom of page
for points (out of 3)

1000 words or less

Over the limit by 10 words

Demonstrates a
limited/inconsistent
command of standard
English conventions,
unless dialogue calls for
otherwise.
Inconsistently and/or
employs language and
tone inappropriate for
audience and purpose.
Grammatical errors may
interfere with
understanding.

Over the limit by 20

words

Demonstrates no
command of standard
English conventions.
Does not employ
appropriate language for
audience and purpose.
Grammatical errors
interfere with
understanding.

Word count not included