1st Drafts of Short Stories

Please turn in your comparison essays. 

	Exceeds the Standard	Meets the Standard	Needs Improvement	Not Evident
Plot	Story not only has conflict but conflict, plot, character and idea weave effortlessly.  Each element of plot is given adequate space for development	Story has conflict and all six elements of plot.  One or more of the parts of plot are rushed or not given adequate space for development.	Story is missing either conflict, or missing one or more parts of plot.	Not Evident
Details	The use of imagery has a near-poetic effect and the reader feels apart of the world evoked by the story.  Imagery and emotion are connected.  The writer uses 4-5 senses to create images. Metaphors, similes are an integrated part of the story.  The student my also be using symbols to express themes	The use of imagery allows the reader to experience the world of the story.  The writer evokes more than two  of the five senses to create this effect and the story uses some metaphors and similes to help explain emotions or ideas.	Story lacks some essential imagery to allow the reader into the world of the story.  The writer evokes less than two of the five senses, and uses little or no metaphors or similes, or the metaphors or similes used are cliché.	Not Evident
Characters	The main characters are real.  The reader develops an attachment to them or against them by the end of the story.  Conflict and character are one.	The main characters are believable: they are round and have both good and bad traits.  There is a dynamic character.  The protagonist may help determine the conflict	The main characters are not all believable.  They don’t seem human or are not dynamic or the plot is forced around them.	Not evident
Voice	The narration is individualistic, engaging and impressive.  The writer’s own enthusiasm or interest is apparent	The narration does have a strong sense of personal commitment or involvement.  The writer may seem self-conscious and the story lacks individuality	Story is lifeless, mechanical and stilted.  The writer and narrator are indifferent to the topic.	Not Evident
Mechanics	There may be occasional errors in the mechanics (spelling, fragments, run-ons, punctuation, capitalization, usage, etc.)  However it is hard to find the errors unless you look for them	Errors in mechanics are noticeable but do not impair the understanding of the story	Numerous errors that distract the reader and effect the readability of the story	Not Evident