Spoken Poetry Rubric

CATEGORY 4 3
Content Entire poem shows
reflection and expression
of a particular theme.
Supportive ideas are
relevant & original
throughout. Poem gives
real insight into the writer's
character and point of
view.
Vocal intonation Highly effective and
and expression expressive intonation used
to reinforce change in
mood, voice, setting,
and/or characterization.
Poem shows some
evidence of the author's
reflections on a particular
theme. Supportive ideas
are mostly relevant &
original. Parts of the
poem might be off topic
but most of the poem
expresses some depth
and insight
Effective and expressive
intonation used to
reinforce change in
mood, voice, setting,
and/or characterization.
2 1
Poem is basic and shows Theme is unclear.
very little reflection on a Supportive ideas are
theme. Supportive ideas missing or unclear
are mostly irrelevant &
unoriginal. The poet's
feelings are not revealed.
Moderately effective and Not effective; more
expressive intonation used practice with intonation is
with room for strongly recommended.
improvement and practice.

Language used Highly effective use of
strong vocabulary as it
relates to the storyline.
Some words were taken
from the vocabulary
journal.
Effective use of
vocabulary as it relates to
the storyline. Some
words were taken from
the vocabulary journal.
Moderately effective use
of vocabulary as it relates
to the storyline, with room
for more word
incorporation. A few
words were taken from the
vocabulary journal.
Little use of vocabulary as
it relates to the storyline.
No words were taken from
the vocabulary journal.
Room for more word
incorporation.

Structure All lines and stanzas are
carefully chosen to
reinforce rhythm. The
poem is organized in a way
that naturally lends itself to
spoken word.
Most Lines and stanzas
are carefully chosen to
reinforce rhythm. The
poem is organized in a
way that lends itself to
the spoken word.
Lines and stanzas do not The organization of the
effectively reinforce lines or stanzas are not
rhythm. Most of the poem apparent.
is ineffectively organized.

Time Student is within the time Student is slightly over Student is one minute over Student is beyond one
 frame allowed (3 minutes time. time. minute over time.
max)

Total Score: __________ Judges Comments: _______________________________________________