Writing Contests

Narration Scoring Guide

6 The upper range papers satisfy all the following criteria: A. Each paper has a logical sequence of events. B. Each paper has an effective beginning and ending. C. Each paper establishes setting effectively. D. Each paper develops characters adequately for the narrative mode. E. Each paper attains overall reader appeal. F. Diction and tone are appropriate to audience. These papers will display good mechanical and grammatical control.

5 This score should be used for papers which fulfill the basic requirements for the 6 grade (meeting all criteria) but are thinner.

4 Middle range papers omit or are deficient in one of the criteria. A. The sequence of events is or has parts that are illogical. OR B. The beginnings and endings are ineffective. OR C. The setting is ineffective. OR D. The character development is not adequately developed. OR E. There is little reader appeal. OR F. The tone and diction are inappropriate for a published narrative.

3 This grade should be used for papers which fulfill the requirements for a 4 but are weaker.

2 Lower range papers are deficient in two or more of the criteria and have serious errors in grammar and mechanics.

1 This grade should be reserved for on-topic responses which have almost no redeeming qualities. Response papers will be evaluated on the quality of writing that we have come to associate with the appropriate school level.