8th Grade Allegorical Short Story Rubric

Name____________________________ Title of Story________________________________________________________ Class Period _______

CONTEXT, POINT OF
VIEW, CHARACTER, AND
EVENT SEQUENCE

Engage and orient the reader by establishing a

rich context and a clearly recognizable point
of view; introduce a narrator (which may or
may not be the protagonist,) a protagonist, and
an antagonist; organize an event sequence that
unfolds naturally and logically and illustrates
significant revision from peer review(s).
(CCSS: W.8.3a)

Engage and orient the reader by

establishing a context and a
point of view; introduce a
narrator and/or characters;
organize an event sequence that
unfolds naturally and logically.
(CCSS: W.8.3a)

DIALOGUE, PACING,
REFLECTION, AND
THEME

3
Proficient

Use narrative techniques, such as correctly-

punctuated dialogue, consistent pacing, vivid
descriptions, and allegorical reflection, to
develop experiences, events, and/or characters
that represent a universal theme or moral;
illustrates significant revision from peer
review(s). (CCSS: W.8.3b)

Use narrative techniques, such

as dialogue, pacing, description,
and reflection, to develop
experiences, events, and/or
characters. (CCSS: W.8.3b)

TRANSITIONS,
LANGUAGE, DETAILS,
SEQUENCE, SHIFTS,
AND ACTION
AND RELATIONSHIPS

4
Advanced

Use a variety of higher-level transition words,

meaningful phrases, and clauses to convey
logical sequence, signal shifts from one time
frame or setting to another, and show the
allegorical relationships among experiences
and events; illustrates significant revision
from peer review(s). (CCSS: W.8.3c)

Use a variety of transition words,

phrases, and clauses to convey
sequence, signal shifts from one
time frame or setting to another,
and show the relationships
among experiences and events.
(CCSS: W.8.3c)

Use advanced words and phrases, relevant and

emotionally-driven descriptive details, and
sensory language to capture the action and
convey experiences and events; reader must
feel drawn to the story; allegory is clearly
recognizable; illustrates significant revision
from peer review(s). (CCSS: W.8.3d)

Use precise words and phrases,

relevant descriptive details, and
sensory language to capture the
action and convey experiences
and events. (CCSS: W.8.3d)

2
Partially Proficient

Context and a

point of view are

inconsistent; a
narrator is present,
yet characters lack
development;
event sequence
illustrates lack of
organization.
Narrative

techniques,
especially
dialogue and
pacing, distract
from experiences
and characters.
Transition
words and phrases
are repeated;
shifts from time
frame and/or
setting are
confusing;
relationships are
Words and

phrases are used

without
intentional
purpose to add
detail and further
the action.

1
Unsatisfactory

Context and a point of

view are not
established; characters
are superficial; event
sequence is illogical
and does not contribute
to the overall allegory.
Dialogue is
nonexistent and/or
unrecognizable
(punctuated
incorrectly); pacing
shows lack of
planning; theme and
character development
Transitions are not
attempted; time frame
and setting are not
taken into
consideration;
relationships are not
allegorical in nature.
Language and action
are attempted but
detract from the
readers interaction and
understanding of the
allegory.