SLAMFEST 2016: Individual Writing Rubric

Criteria

Student-friendly
language

Level 4

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Resubmit

Inclusion of rhetorical
devices and persuasive
techniques

Numerous devices
and/or techniques
used; complex layering

2 devices and/or
techniques used;
adequate complexity

Minimum of 2 devices
and/or techniques
used; limited
complexity

1-2 devices and/or

techniques used;
lacking complexity

Insufficient
evidence

Tailoring of voice to suit

topic and purpose for
intended audience

Outstanding clarity and

emotional resonance in
written voice

Clarity and emotional

resonance in written
voice

Picking juicy words,

engaging the senses,
and evoking images

Superb imagery and

word choice. The
senses are engaged
and the artistry is
masterful.

Strong imagery and

word choice. The
senses are engaged
and a clear picture is
created.

Creates insightful,
nuanced meanings;
synthesizes themes

Creates in-depth
interpretation with
careful attention to
the impact of theme

Constructing Content
W2.4 use appropriate words, phrases,
and terminology, and several different
stylistic devices, to communicate their
meaning and engage their intended
audience

W2.2 establish an identifiable voice in

their writing, modifying language and
tone to suit the form, audience, and
purpose for writing
W2.3 use appropriate descriptive and
evocative words, phrases, and
expressions to make their writing clear
and vivid for their intended audience

Some clarity and

emotional resonance
in written voice

Limited clarity and

emotional
resonance in written
voice

Attempts to engage
senses and create
images is superficial,
insincere, and/or
incomplete

Limited sensory
engagement and/or
imagery created.
Limited language.

Creates general
meanings and
identifies/crafts
obvious thematic
elements

Creates the poem

with limited clarity
thematically

Constructing
Meaning
RLS 1.4 identify the important
information and ideas in both simple
and complex oral texts in several
different ways

RLS 2.3 identify several different

elements of style in texts and explain
how they help communicate meaning
and enhance the effectiveness of the

Explanation of intended
content and impact on
target audience

Writers
purpose/intended

Writers
purpose/intended
audience somewhat

Insufficient
evidence

text

Writers
purpose/intended
audience is astute.

audience is wellnoted.

lacking or limited

Writers
purpose/audience is
unclear

Elaborates
interpretation by
making substantial
connections to
universal issues,
experiences, and/or
other texts

Extends
interpretations with
substantial references
to familiar issues,
other texts, and/or
own experiences

Explains some links

to other texts, obvious
issues and own
experience to develop
a personal
interpretation

Provides
unsupported links to
own experience, but
connections are
unclear/irrelevant

Makes
Connections
RLS 1.6 extend understanding of both
simple and complex oral texts by
making connections between the ideas
in them and personal knowledge,
experience, and insights; other texts;
and the world around them

Insufficient
evidence