PART I.

CREATIVE WRITING
ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
Because this unit deals with the writing process and how it helps us develop and explore ideas and build a sense of self,
each one of us will be asked to compose a written creative piece where the practice skills developed during class and see
how they are applied to different genres of literature. Each student will pick ONE genre to write within (poetry, memoir or
essay) and ONE topic to develop (of your choice). Your piece should demonstrate an understanding of the conventions of
the genre you choose and develop the topic adequately within the page limit. Because your piece is intended to
demonstrate growth in the writing process, it should incorporate strategies we practice in class (such as Zoom and Layer
and Five Brushstrokes) and use words to paint pictures so that your audience can visualize and follow your thinking from
beginning to end.

Choice of
Topic
Developmen
t of Ideas or
Narration

Response to
Genre
Conventions

Exceeds Expectations
Meets Expectations
(1 points)
(0.75 points)
The topic is creative, interesting and engaging.

The chosen topic is explored and

exhausted
fully
within
the
confines of word and page limits.
The work demonstrates deep
thinking or careful consideration
of the characters or issues at
hand.
The piece is structured according
to
the
genre
conventions
identified and analyzed during
class.

Loudness

The piece makes use of a frame

with multiple mentions towards a
bigger idea. This big idea is
evident, clear, and complex.

Grammar
and Syntax

Grammar is correct OR used

accurately for emphasis and
development of ideas. The work

The topic is mostly explored, but

more
information,
detail
or
development would make it more
engaging
or
easily
understandable. Nuanced thinking
is present but not fully developed.
The piece meets most of the genre
conventions
identified
and
analyzed during class. Those
moments when the piece strays
from
conventions
inhibit
understanding or development.
The piece uses a frame, but maybe
it is not quite fitting, or otherwise
mentions throughout are unclear.
Grammar is mostly correct OR
used accurately for emphasis and
development of ideas. Few errors

Requires Support
(0.5 points)
The topic is does not reflect
creativity of thinking; it is either
clichd, tired, or fails to engage
the audience.
The topic is superficially explored
or developed. The piece would
benefit from further work in
demonstration of critical thinking.

The piece does not meet most of

the genre conventions identified
and analyzed during class, and
this makes it difficult to follow or
understand.
The piece doesnt use a frame or
doesnt embed mentions towards
a bigger idea. References are
unclear and difficult to locate or
follow.
Grammatical
mistakes
are
frequent and often impair the
understanding of the reader. Next

PART I. CREATIVE WRITING

makes use of vivid language
discussed and practiced during
class. No errors that detract from
comprehension are present.
Use of
Language

Language is clear and precise.

Nouns, verbs and adjectives (or
adverbs) reflect the zoom and
layer method discussed and
practiced during class.

in grammar are present, but do

not detract from understanding or
engagement. Few instances of the
use of brushstrokes discussed and
practiced during class.
Language is mostly clear and
precise; few instances of vague
language are present. There is
evidence of the zoom and layer
method, but it is spotty or
inconsistent.

to no brushstrokes are present.

Language is often unclear or

confusing. Most of the word
choice is vague or unhelpful in
the
development
of
visual
pictures.