Checklist for Creative Nonfiction
(Personal Essay)
Main Goals of
Assignment:
Essay discusses a specific event or experience in writer’s
life and reflects on the impact the event had on him/her, what he/she learned
Discourse (overall structure of essay)
Unity (all
ideas related to topic)
Coherence/order
(essay is developed in a logical sequential way)
Structure
clues guide the reader
Author’s original insight is clearly articulated within the
work
Specific examples, language,
dialogue used to paint a picture of the experience for the reader
Essay is approximately 750 –
1000 words
Other Considerations:
Name, date, class aligned left. Creative title of your paper in center.
Plot/topic is developed logically over the course of the
work
Beginning
draws reader in to the piece, captures readers interest
There is a clear beginning, middle,
and end to the piece
Reader’s questions are answered
when appropriate throughout the piece so that no surface questions remain after
reading
Insightful reflection on what
learned from the experience seamlessly integrated into essay
Conclusion ties up loose ends
Specific details are used to develop an image of the
experience in the reader’s mind
Employs
dialogue when appropriate to show rather than tell what happened
Describes
specifically what happened rather than focusing on generalizations
Uses
literary devices such as irony, metaphor, and imagery
Author’s
voice is developed through honest, passionate treatment of the topic
Stylistics
Weak verbs
(come, get, give, have, be, etc.), contractions, or passive voice
Incorrect
or infelicitous word choice
Sentence Errors
Spelling, sentence fragments, run-on
sentences
Punctuation: commas, possessives,
etc.
Inconsistent verb tenses
All brainstorming, drafts, and workshop sheets
attached. Suggestions on draft
incorporated, or reasons for not doing so noted on draft.
As professional a job on the final copy as I can manage.
Signed __________________________
Creative
Nonfiction Rubric
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Criteria
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Content
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Organization
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Style and Fluency
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Conventions
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How
do I express the meaning of my experience?
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How
well do I organize and present my thoughts?
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Have
I edited and polished my paper?
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Advanced
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Thoughts
are clearly expressed and create a vivid impression of an important
experience. Significant detail, including relevant dialogue, enhances the
meaning of the experience. The writer’s reflection reveals a new
understanding of him or herself or world.
|
|
|
Errors
(in spelling, punctuation, quotation marks, capitalization, sentence
structure, etc.) are few and minor, and don’t interfere with the meaning of
the paper. The paper is clean, edited and polished. The narrative is of
sufficient length and complexity to demonstrate appropriate control of
conventions.
|
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Proficient
|
Thoughts
about an important experience are clearly expressed. Detail and dialogue are
used to convey the meaning of the experience. The writer’s reflection reveals
a new understanding.
|
The
organization guides reader through the essay. A clear introduction
establishes time and place. A clear conclusion satisfies the reader. Overall,
details fit and the piece is held together with workable transitions.
|
The
writer uses precise language that conveys the message clearly. Use of
colorful and/or figurative language adds flavor to the piece. Moments here
and there amuse, surprise or move the reader. The writer cares about the
piece.
|
Errors
(in spelling, punctuation, quotation marks, capitalization, sentence
structure, etc.) are few enough not to interfere with the overall meaning of
the paper. The paper is of sufficient length to demonstrate proficiency.
|
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Partially Proficient
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Thoughts
about an experience are still being developed. Further attention to details,
dialogue or description would breathe life into the writing. General
observations outweigh specifics.
|
The
organization guides the reader through the essay without too much confusion.
The introduction and conclusion are recognizable and functional. Placement of
details seems workable though not always deft.
|
The
writer occasionally uses precise language, but often relies on “ordinary”
words rather than figurative or colorful language. Language is adequate but
not striking. The writer seems distanced from the topic.
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Errors
(in spelling, punctuation, quotation marks, capitalization, sentence
structure, etc.) occasionally distract from the meaning of the paper. The
writing reads more like a rough draft than a final copy. Some revision is
needed.
|
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Unsatisfactory
|
Thoughts
are unclear or loosely focused. Information is limited, unclear or a random
collection of details that don’t add up to a coherent whole. It is hard to
identify the meaning of the experience. Reflection is limited or missing.
|
The
writer strings ideas, details or events together with no identifiable
structure. No real lead sets up what follows. No real conclusion wraps up
narrative. Missing or unclear transitions force the reader to make
inferences.
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The writer struggles with
a limited vocabulary. Vague words and phrases distract the reader and prevent
a connection with the writer. Though it may communicate on a functional
level, the writing does not involve or move the reader.
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Frequent
and/or serious errors (in spelling, grammar, etc.) distract the reader’s
focus from the message. The reader may need to read once to decode, then
again to interpret the text. Extensive editing would be required to prepare
the text for publication.
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