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Show Don't Tell Rubric

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Show Don't Tell Rubric

Student writing with descriptive details

📝 Part 1: Writing Skills Assessment

1. Use of Descriptive Details - How well did you paint a picture with words?

1 - Beginning: I told what happened but didn't use describing words

2 - Developing: I used some describing words to help readers picture my story

3 - Proficient: I used good describing words that help readers see, hear, and feel what's happening

4 - Exceeding: I used amazing describing words that make readers feel like they're right there in my story

2. Dialogue - How well did you use characters' words to show what's happening?

1 - Beginning: I didn't use dialogue or characters talking

2 - Developing: I used some dialogue but it doesn't show much about my characters

3 - Proficient: I used dialogue that shows what my characters are thinking and feeling

4 - Exceeding: My dialogue sounds real and shows exactly what my characters are like

3. Action - How well did you show characters doing things instead of just telling about it?

1 - Beginning: I mostly told what happened without showing actions

2 - Developing: I showed some actions but also told a lot

3 - Proficient: I showed characters doing things that help readers understand the story

4 - Exceeding: I showed exciting actions that make readers feel the emotions in my story

📚 Part 2: Story Structure & Style

4. Organization - How well is your story organized and easy to follow?

1 - Beginning: My story jumps around and is hard to follow

2 - Developing: My story has a beginning, middle, and end but some parts are confusing

3 - Proficient: My story flows well from beginning to middle to end

4 - Exceeding: My story is perfectly organized and keeps readers interested the whole time

5. Creativity - How creative and interesting is your story?

1 - Beginning: My story is simple and doesn't have many interesting parts

2 - Developing: My story has some creative ideas

3 - Proficient: My story is creative and interesting to read

4 - Exceeding: My story is very creative and unique - readers will remember it!

6. Conventions - How well did you use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar?

1 - Beginning: I have many spelling and punctuation mistakes that make it hard to read

2 - Developing: I have some spelling and punctuation mistakes

3 - Proficient: I have few mistakes and my writing is easy to read

4 - Exceeding: My spelling, punctuation, and grammar are excellent

7. My Overall Score: Add up your points (1-4 for each section)

Total Points: _______ out of 24

8. One thing I did really well in my writing:
9. One thing I want to improve next time:

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