Category

Accomplished

(10-9)

Solid

(8-7)

Developing

(6-5)

Emerging

(4-3)

Beginning

(2-1)

Language Craft (sound, syntax, figurative choices)

Figurative devices (simile, metaphor, personification, etc.) and sound devices (alliteration, rhythm, repetition) consistently reinforce the main idea; syntax is varied and purposeful; no uses distract from meaning.

Figurative and sound devices usually reinforce the main idea; rare uses are decorative rather than functional; syntax varies enough to guide pacing.

Figurative and sound devices appear, some reinforcing meaning and others decorative; syntax variety is uneven; writing has 1–2 confusing or unclear spots.

Figurative or sound devices appear mostly as ornament; several sentences obscure meaning; syntax is repetitive or confusing.

Figurative or sound devices are absent or misused; syntax consistently obscures meaning.

Imagery

At least three specific, sensory images (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) are present and consistent; images create a clear sense of setting or mood.

At least two specific, sensory images support the subject or emotion of the piece.

Some sensory images are present but inconsistent; occasional use of overused or generic imagery.

Imagery is mostly general or abstract; few sensory details anchor the writing.

No sensory images are present, or imagery is confusing and unrelated to subject.

Form / Structure

The structure (stanzas, paragraphs, line breaks, punctuation) is consistently intentional and supports pacing and meaning; reader can clearly follow flow.

The structure is clear and logical; supports meaning in most places; pacing generally works.

The structure is recognizable but occasionally distracts from or fails to support the content.

Structure is weak or formulaic; several places where flow or pacing interferes with clarity.

No clear or consistent structure is identifiable.

Theme / Meaning

Theme is clearly identifiable, developed through multiple references or images, and shows connection across the whole piece.

Theme is identifiable and maintained consistently throughout most of the piece.

Theme is present but expressed simply or inconsistently across the piece.

Theme is weak, generic, or not fully developed across the piece.

No identifiable theme or meaning is communicated.

Diction / Precision

Word choice is consistently specific, concrete, and accurate for the context; no clichés; words match tone and subject.

Word choice is clear and effective; avoids most clichés; vocabulary fits the subject.

Word choice is adequate but includes some vague or cliché terms; limited precision.

Word choice is repetitive, general, or vague in multiple places.

Word choice is frequently inaccurate, inappropriate for context, or obscures meaning.