Rubric on Writing a Declamation

Score
5

Main idea is clear,

but the supporting
information is
general.

Main idea is
somewhat clear, but
there is a need for
more supporting
information.

The main idea is not

clear. There is a
seemingly random
collection of
information

Most supportive
facts are reported
accurately.
The introduction
states the main
topic, but does not
adequately preview
the structure of the
paper nor is it
inviting to the
reader.

No facts are reported

or most are
inaccurately reported.

Some details are

not in a logical or
expected order, and
this distracts the
reader.

Many details are not

in a logical or
expected order. There
is little sense that the
writing is organized.

Most sentences
sound natural and
are easy on the
hear when read
aloud, but several
are awkward or
difficult to
understand.

The sentences are

difficult to read aloud
because they sound
awkward, are
distractingly
repetitive, or difficult
to understand.

Writer uses words

that communicate
clearly, but the
writing lacks
variety, punch or
flair.

Writer uses a limited

vocabulary, which
does not
communicate
strongly or capture
the readers interest.
Jargon or clichs may
be present and detract
from the meaning

Criteria

Focus on
topic

Accuracy
of facts

There is one clear,

well focused
topic. Main idea
stands out and is
supported by
detailed
information
All supportive facts
are reported
accurately.

Introduction

The introduction is
inviting, states the
main topic, and
previews the
structure of the
paper

Sequencing

Details are placed

in a logical order
and the way they
are presented
effectively keeps
the interest of the
reader.

Flow and
rhythm

All sentences sound

natural and are easy
on the ear
when read aloud.
Each sentence is
clear and has an
obvious emphasis.

Word
choice

Writer uses vivid

words and phrases
that linger or draw
pictures in the
readers mind, and
the choice and
placement of the
words seems
accurate, natural,
and not forced.

Almost all
supportive facts are
reported accurately.
The introduction
clearly states the
main topic and
previews the
structure of the
paper, but it is not
inviting to the
reader.
Details are placed
in a logical order,
but the way they
are presented
sometimes makes
the writing less
interesting.
Almost all
sentences sound
natural and are easy
on the ear
when read aloud.
But 1 or 2 are
awkward or
difficult to
understand.
Writer uses vivid
words and phrases
that linger or draw
pictures in the
readers mind, but
occasionally the
words are sued
inaccurately or
seem overdone.

There is no clear
introduction of the
main topic or
structure of the paper.

RUBRIC FOR THE DECLAMATION PERFORMANCE

Delivery

Point of
View

Physical
Delivery

Not Yet Within

Expectations (12)

Minimally Meets
Expectations (3)

point of view
and character
are inconsistent
an implied
listener is seldom
evident

point of view
and character
are clear and
consistent
an implied
listener is
evident

lacks
involvement; no
movement or
gestures
limited use of
nonverbal
gestures and
facial
expressions

behaviors,
gestures, or
movements do
not fit the
character
nonverbal
gestures and
facial
expressions are
occasionally
distracting or
inappropriate for
the character
Either too fast
or
too slow or
length.
uses volume,
tone, and pace
somewhat to
suit the content
and purpose
Enunciation is
mostly clear;
monologue
flows
adequately with
some noticeable
breaks or fillers
(um, uh, etc)
that are out of
character

Pacing

Either too fast

or
too slow.

Speaking
Techniques

uses volume,
tone, and pace
inappropriately
or ineffectively
Enunciation is
not clear;
monologue does
not flow
smoothly and
contains many
breaks or fillers
that are out of
character

Memorizati
on

Performer puts
in no effort.

Actor does not

know their
lines and
hesitates so
much that their
monologue is

Fully Meets

Exceeds

Expectations (4)

Expectations (5)

point of view
and character
are clear,
focused, and
consistent
an implied
listener is
established
gestures or
movements are
fine, but may
have omitted
obvious
character
behaviors
nonverbal
gestures and
facial
expression suit
the character

point of view
and character are
integrated;
an implied
listener is evident
throughout the
monologue

Delivery
generally
Successful.

Excellent pacing,
including
dramatic pauses.

uses volume,
tone, and pace
appropriate to
the content and
purpose
Enunciation is
clear;
expression is
appropriate and
natural;
monologue
flows well with
few noticeable
breaks or fillers
that are out of
character
Actor knows
lines very
well, there are
few
hesitations.

adjusts volume,
tone, and pace to
achieve a special
effect or for
impact
Enunciation is
exceptionally
clear; monologue
flows smoothly
without
noticeable breaks
or fillers that are
out of character

natural gestures
and movement
enhance
message; fit
character or role
nonverbal
gestures and
facial expression
enhance
characterization

Actor knows all of

their
lines so well that
there
are no
hesitations.

SCO
RE
(25)

distracting.
TOTAL