Literary Arts (Grades 3 - 5)

Exceptional

5 Points Each

Outstanding

4 Points Each

Above Average

3 Points Each

Average

2 Point Each

Creativity and

Originality

☐ The writer manifests

exceptional imaginative skills,

original

☐ Stream of significant ideas unusual for development level (Fluency)

☐ Shifts categories often and with ease, flexible and creative (Flexibility)

☐  Vivid imagery, complex details, unusual for developmental level (Elaboration)

☐ Distinct approach, sophisticated ideas, completely original & unique (Originality) 

☐ The writer manifests above-

grade-level imaginative skills and original

☐ Many ideas, either significant or meaningful (Fluency)

☐Includes many details that add depth and complexity (Flexibility)

☐  Includes many details that add depth and complexity (Elaboration)

☐ Unexpected approach, original ideas, more creativity (Originality) 

☐ The writer manifests developing

imaginative skills and original

thinking.

☐  Several ideas, but not significant ones(Fluency)

☐ Two or three categories (Flexibility)

☐ Several details, but lack depth  (Elaboration)

☐  Some evidence of originality and/or creativity.(Originality) 

☐ The writer is occasionally

original

☐  Developing significant ideas (Fluency)

☐ Developing categories  (Flexibility)

☐  Developing details and depth

 (Elaboration)

☐  Developing in originality and creativity. (Originality) 

Voice/Style 

☐ Creates a vivid, precise, and

engaging writer’s voice and tone

☐ Creates a consistent and

engaging writer’s voice and tone

☐ The writer creates a somewhat consistent and engaging writer’s voice and tone

☐ The writer creates an age-

or grade-appropriate voice

Audience

Awareness/Impact

☐ The writer’s choices demonstrate

an intimate awareness of their

audience and the impact of their

choices on the reader’s

understanding and emotions

☐ The writer's choices

demonstrate an understanding of

their audience and attempt to

manipulate or control the reader’s

understanding or emotions

☐ The writer’s choices somewhat

acknowledge audience awareness,

focused more on the writer’s own

understanding and emotions

☐ The writer’s choices are

beginning to consider an

audience outside the task or

prompt

Clarity/

Coherence

☐ The writer’s intention is clear and

illuminating, and maintains focus

☐ Organization is logically structured and enhances meaning

☐ The writer’s intention is reasonably clear and maintains focus for much of the piece

☐ Organization is structured logically

☐ The writer’s intention is somewhat clear and has acceptable focus

☐ Organization is simple and

effective

☐ The writer’s intention is occasionally clear and is developing focus

☐ The writer is developing organization

Word Choice

☐ The writer masterfully employs literary techniques that extend throughout the piece, vividly capture the reader's imagination, and bring the story/ topic to life

☐ The writer skillfully employs literary techniques to capture the reader's imagination and bring the story/ topic to life

☐ The writer attempts to choose the best words over the first words that come to mind; few literary techniques are present. 

☐ The writer uses repetitive, vague, and/or unimaginative words that do little to bring the piece to life