Unit 3: Flash Fiction Assignment Rubric
Requirements
Meaningful Title
Narrative Elements:
setting, point of view,
theme (out of 9)
Characterization (out of 9)
Plot Structure and
Conflict (out of 9)
3 2
• The story contains a creative
title reflecting the story's
significance/theme
• The setting, both where and
when, has been skillfully
established.
• The story maintains a
consistent point of view, and
the point of view chosen
enhances the story
• The theme is clear and
developed throughout the
story.
• Skillfully uses narrative
techniques (dialogue,
descriptions, etc.) to develop
characters.
• Includes at least one clear
example of indirect
characterization
• Includes at least one clear
example of direct
characterization.
• The story skillfully engages
the reader by introducing at
least one conflict.
• The story skillfully uses a
variety of techniques to
sequence the events so that
they create a particular tone
and outcome (e.g. a sense of
mystery, suspense, growth,
etc.)
• The writing skillfully
contains a smooth
progression of experiences
and events.
• The story contains a title
reflecting the story's
significance/theme
• The setting has been
established, although there
may be some confusion.
• The point of view is
consistent.
• The theme is present in the
story.
• Consistently uses narrative
techniques (dialogue,
descriptions, etc.) to develop
characters.
• Includes at least one
example of indirect
characterization
• Includes at one clear
example of direct
characterization.
• The story engages the reader
by introducing at least one
conflict.
• The story uses some
techniques to sequence the
events so that they create a
particular tone and outcome
(e.g. a sense of mystery,
suspense, growth, etc.)
• The writing contains a
consistent progression of
experiences and events.
1 0
• The story contains a title.
• The setting is unclear;
only one aspect of
setting has been
established..
• The point of view is
occasionally consistent .
• The theme is hard to
determine.
• Inconsistently uses
narrative techniques
(dialogue, descriptions,
etc.) to develop
characters.
• Includes an unclear
example of indirect
characterization.
• Includes an unclear
example of direct
characterization.
• The story introduces at
least one conflict.
• The story uses
techniques to sequence
the events, but the
purpose may be unclear.
• The writing contains a
vague progression of
experiences and events.
• The story has no title.
• There is no description
of the setting.
• The point of view is not
consistent or meaningful
to the story's progress.
• There is no determinable
theme.
• There is no use of
meaningful narrative
techniques such as
meaningful word choice
or dialogue.
• Does not include indirect
characterization.
• Does not include direct
characterization.
• There is no conflict.
• There is no tone and/or
meaningful sequence of
events.
• There is no determinable
progression of events.
Conventions
Language (out of 3) • Demonstrates an skillful
command of standard
English conventions, unless
dialogue calls for otherwise.
• Skillfully employs language
and tone appropriate for
audience and purpose.
• No grammatical errors that
interfere with understanding.
Word count must be • 1000 words or less
included at bottom of page
for points (out of 3)
• Demonstrates a command of
standard English
conventions, unless dialogue
calls for otherwise.
• Employs language and tone
appropriate for audience and
purpose.
• Few grammatical errors that
interfere with understanding.
• Over the limit by 10 words
• Demonstrates a • Demonstrates no
limited/inconsistent command of standard
command of standard English conventions.
English conventions, • Does not employ
unless dialogue calls for appropriate language for
otherwise. audience and purpose.
• Inconsistently and/or • Grammatical errors
employs language and interfere with
tone inappropriate for understanding.
audience and purpose.
• Grammatical errors may
interfere with
understanding.
• Over the limit by 20 • Word count not included
words