Middle School Narrative Writing Continuum
Experimenting
Ideas
Development of the
writer’s main idea
Organization
Internal structure of the
piece
Voice
The way the writer brings
the topic to life
Word Choice
Specific vocabulary the
writer uses to convey
meaning
Sentence Fluency
The way the words and
phrases flow throughout
the text
Conventions
The mechanical
correctness of the piece
Presentation
The overall appearance of
the work
Emerging
Developing
Effective
 Hints at topic/event – vague
 Sporadic details leave reader with many
unanswered questions
 Topic/event generally defined
 Details and reactions may be present,
but with limited depth
 List of episodes and/or reactions
 Topic/event narrowed
 Most major episodes developed by
specific details and reaction
 Details purposefully chosen to build
author’s main idea/theme
 Some attempt at structure – may be
more expository in nature
 Ineffective lead & conclusion
 Some sequencing apparent – may have
major lapses/digressions
 Pacing awkward
 Limited evidence of appropriate
paragraphing
 No real concern for the audience
 Mechanical deliver with general
statements require reader to infer
 Purpose not clear
 May attempt to engage reader
 Narrative structure evident
 More logical sequencing, but episodes
move through time with significant gaps
or digressions
 Routine lead and conclusion
 May have intrusive transitions (obvious)
that detract from the content
 Some appropriate paragraphing
 Writer begins to connect with the reader
 Pleasing, yet “safe”
 Writer/reader connection fades in and
out
 Purpose inconsistent
 Voice shifts or disappears
 Some active verbs and precise nouns
 A moment or two of sparkle
 Experiments with figurative language
 Words begin to enhance
 Effective lead and conclusion
 Sequencing works well with mostly
appropriate paragraphing
 Well-controlled pacing through the
event
 Common structures have smooth flow
 May have minor digressions
 Writer occasionally intrigues & mostly
engages the reader
 Pleasing – takes some risks
 Purpose consistent
 Voice present, but not consistent
throughout
 Effective and creative verbs and nouns
 Accurate use of figurative language
 Words and phrases work well and may
enhance specificity
 Interesting and informative
 Takes effective risks
 Voice reflects interest and commitment
to topic
 Voice is appropriate for topic, purpose,
and audience
 Precision with words and phrases
 Wording works effectively to enhance
specificity
 Figurative language is effective
 Words and phrases create picture
 Simple sentences – may be choppy,
rambling, or incomplete
 Oral reading difficult
 Limited variation in sentence beginnings
 Attempts compound and complex
sentences
 Sentences usually correct
 Some parts invite oral reading
 Sentences begin in different ways
 Spelling errors even on easy words
 Errors on basic punctuation and
capitalization
 Some usage and grammar errors
(includes dialogue)
 Paragraphing is missing or inappropriate
 Spelling generally correct on basic words
– may be incorrect on difficult words
 Routine punctuation and capitalization
 Grammar errors infrequent
 Consistent paragraphing
 Begins to have easy flow and rhythm
 Strong and varied structure
 Oral reading encourages expression in
places
 Sentences well crafted – varying
sentence structure
 Few spelling errors – even on more
difficult words
 Consistent use of punctuation &
capitalization
 Grammar and usage correct
 Correct use of paragraphing
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 Handwriting mostly readable, but
inconsistent
 Attempts consistent spacing
 Margins & headers effective
 Overall appearance is acceptable
 Rhythm and flow feel natural
 Invites expressive reading
 Creative use of sentence length and
structure
 Sentences relate and build upon one
another
 Spelling correct, even on more difficult
words
 Accurate use of punctuation and
capitalization
 Standard grammar and usage are under
control
 Sound & creative paragraphing
 Handwriting is consistently legible
 Good balance of space and text
 Overall appearance makes it easy to
read
 Language is functional
 Vocabulary is limited
 No figurative language, though may be
attempts at interesting words
 Words convey general meaning
Handwriting poor
Some thought given to spacing
Attempts at margins and headers
Overall appearance distracting
 Legible handwriting
 Spacing improves clarity
 Overall appearance shows attention to
balance and proportion
 Clear, focused, and answers readers’
questions about the event
 Most elaboration is even and may
include multiple strategies to show
reactions (POV, perspective, others’
reactions, dialogue)
 Relevant, accurate details enrich theme
 Inviting introduction and satisfying
conclusion
 Effective sequencing logically presented
without significant gaps
 Episodes & events interrelated – begin
to reveal theme
 All paragraphs appropriate
Strong
 Fully developed, in-depth elaboration
 Considerable elaboration through
multiple strategies (POV, perspective,
others’ reactions, dialogue)
 Makes connections & shares insight
effectively
 Unique treatment of the topic
 Introduction and conclusion are unique
but connected
 Masterful sequencing without gaps
 Appropriate and purposeful
paragraphing
 All episodes and reactions logically
presented and interrelated
 Showcases central ideas or theme
 Compelling and engaging
 Writer goes out on a limb
 Displays ownership of the topic
 Voice is powerful and appropriate for
topic, purpose, and audience
 Powerful, engaging, “just right” words
 Wording is accurate and precise to
enhance specificity
 Artful use of figurative language
 Words and phrases create lingering
images
 Exquisitely constructed sentences that
show a variety of sentence structure and
purposeful crafting of thoughts
 Reading aloud is a breeze
 Sentences enhance meaning
 Stylistic use of punctuation and
capitalization may be present
 Grammar and usage contribute to clarity
and style
 Paragraphing is stylistically effective
 Handwriting is consistently legible
 Overall appearance is pleasing and
shows thoughtful approach to
presentation of work