Excellent (4): Story is 900-1000 words exactly

Good (3): Story is 850-1050 words (close to target)

Satisfactory (2): Story is 750-1100 words (somewhat off target)

Needs Improvement (1): Story is under 750 or over 1100 words

Excellent (4): Characters are well-developed with clear personalities, motivations, and growth

Good (3): Characters have distinct personalities and some development

Satisfactory (2): Characters are somewhat developed but lack depth

Needs Improvement (1): Characters are flat with little to no development

Excellent (4): Three clear, distinct survival problems that create tension and drive the story

Good (3): Three problems present, mostly distinct and well-integrated

Satisfactory (2): Two to three problems, but some may be unclear or similar

Needs Improvement (1): Fewer than two clear problems or problems are poorly developed

Excellent (4): All problems resolved logically and creatively with realistic solutions

Good (3): Most problems resolved logically with believable solutions

Satisfactory (2): Some problems resolved, solutions are somewhat believable

Needs Improvement (1): Few problems resolved or solutions are unrealistic

Excellent (4): Rich, detailed descriptions that make the survival setting come alive

Good (3): Good descriptive details that help visualize the setting

Satisfactory (2): Some descriptive details present but lacking depth

Needs Improvement (1): Little to no descriptive detail about the environment

Excellent (4): Highly original and engaging story that captivates the reader

Good (3): Creative elements present, story holds reader interest

Satisfactory (2): Some creative elements, moderately engaging

Needs Improvement (1): Limited creativity, story lacks engagement

Excellent (4): Virtually error-free with excellent sentence variety and flow

Good (3): Minor errors that don't interfere with meaning

Satisfactory (2): Some errors present but story is still readable

Needs Improvement (1): Frequent errors that interfere with understanding