English (ELA)FreePrintable
Show Don't Tell Rubric
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Show Don't Tell Rubric
📝 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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