Personal Narrative/College Essay Rubric

Formatting: 1-2 pages, double spaced? yes no _____out of 5 pts.

Proper MLA heading? yes no _____out of 3 pts.

Creative title? yes no _____out of 2 pts.

Focused on a single, specific incident? yes no _____out of 5 pts.

Incorporated “memorability factor”? yes no _____out of 5 pts.

Submitted rough draft with the final? yes no (automatic 50% deduction)

Effectively revised the piece? yes no _____out of 5 pts.

Criteria Clarity & Creativity Insight Style Grammar &
Organization Mechanics
Well organized, Interesting, witty Shows elevated level of Sophisticated variety Demonstrates a high
15 pts. each logical, and clearly storyline that has insight in terms of of sentences; rich level of proficiency
Advanced articulated; connects that extra special personal experience and word choice in grammar and
ideas smoothly something how this will translate mechanics
(5) into life skills in regard
to personal character,
growth, reflection, and
possibility
Organized, logical, Interesting storyline Shows high level of Variety of sentences; Demonstrates
13 pts. each and clearly insight in terms of effective word choice proficiency in
Approaching articulated; personal experience and grammar and
Advanced transitions often how this will translate mechanics
connect ideas into life skills in regard
(4) smoothly to personal character,
growth, reflection, and
possibility
Mainly organized, Storyline ranges Shows adequate level of Some variety of Usually demonstrates
11 pts. each logical, and clearly from interesting to insight in terms of sentences; proficiency in
Meets Standard articulate; transitions common throughout personal experience and appropriate word grammar and
used to connect ideas the piece how this will translate choice mechanics
(3) into life skills in regard
to personal character,
growth, reflection, and
possibility
Lacks organization, Idea is cliché Shows minimal level of Mostly simple Inconsistently
9 pts. each logic, and clarity; without anything insight sentences; simple demonstrates
Basic transitions seldom added to set it apart word choice proficiency in
used to connect ideas from the typical grammar and
(2) storyline or idea mechanics
Not organized or Idea is a copy of Shows lack of insight Only simple Grammar and
0-7 pts. each clear; transitions are another work or is throughout paper; sentences; mechanics are
Below Basic not used to connect not a creative inability to inappropriate word deficient
ideas writing perceive/interpret choice
(1) piece/personal essay