WRITING A SHORT
STORY:
Outline = 25
points Short Story = 100
points
Every student will be responsible
for writing one short story of 2-5 pages of length. It should be fictional, though it
could contain some real events. The
story must have a protagonist, an antagonist, a dynamic character, a static
character, conflict and all parts of plot—exposition, inciting event, rising
action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Furthermore the protagonist must be a round character who completely
aligns him/herself with the three elements of characterization (check your
notes). The dynamic character must fit
the three elements of believable change (check your notes). You will be graded, partially, on how well
you meet the above requirements. You
will also be graded on your development of character, plot, your voice,
sentence structure, conventions, and use of physical descriptions to allow the
reader into the world of your story.
1st Draft - Due Friday
Unit
Learning goal: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the structure of
fiction by breaking down the essential building blocks (literary elements) of
short stories by plot, character development, figurative language (metaphor,
symbolism, irony), point of view, connecting these blocks to the overall
meaning (or theme) of the text, and final writing their own short story using
these structures.
Scale/Rubric
relating to learning goal:
4 – The student can analyze the elements of a short story
come up with a valid theme (or themes) of a text and relate this theme to other
texts and/or movies and real world situations.
The student is able to write a short story using these elements to
create a text with complex themes.
3 – The student can analyze elements of a short story and
come up with a valid theme for a text.
The student is able to write a short story using these elements to
create a text with a valid and justifiable theme.
2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student
can analyze the elements of a short story and come up with a theme for a
text. With some direction/help from the
teacher the student is able to write a short story using these elements to
create a text with a theme.
1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable
to analyze elements of a short story and come up with a theme for a text. Even with help from the teacher the student
in unable to write a short story using elements covered during this unit.
Exceeds the Standard
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Meets the Standard
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Needs Improvement
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Not Evident
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Plot
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Story not only has
conflict but conflict, plot, character and idea weave effortlessly. Each element of plot is given adequate
space for development
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Story has conflict and all
six elements of plot. One or more of
the parts of plot are rushed or not given adequate space for development.
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Story is missing either
conflict, or missing one or more parts of plot.
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Not Evident
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Details
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The use of imagery has a
near-poetic effect and the reader feels apart of the world evoked by the
story. Imagery and emotion are
connected. The writer uses 4-5 senses
to create images. Metaphors, similes are an integrated part of the
story. The student my also be using
symbols to express themes
|
The use of imagery allows
the reader to experience the world of the story. The writer evokes more than two of the five senses to create this effect
and the story uses some metaphors and similes to help explain emotions or
ideas.
|
Story lacks some essential
imagery to allow the reader into the world of the story. The writer evokes less than two of the five
senses, and uses little or no metaphors or similes, or the metaphors or
similes used are cliché.
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Not Evident
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Characters
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The main characters are
real. The reader develops an
attachment to them or against them by the end of the story. Conflict and character are one.
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The main characters are
believable: they are round and have both good and bad traits. There is a dynamic character. The protagonist may help determine the
conflict
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The main characters are
not all believable. They don’t seem
human or are not dynamic or the plot is forced around them.
|
Not evident
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Voice
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The narration is
individualistic, engaging and impressive.
The writer’s own enthusiasm or interest is apparent
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The narration does have a
strong sense of personal commitment or involvement. The writer may seem self-conscious and the
story lacks individuality
|
Story is lifeless,
mechanical and stilted. The writer and
narrator are indifferent to the topic.
|
Not Evident
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Mechanics
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There may be occasional
errors in the mechanics (spelling, fragments, run-ons, punctuation,
capitalization, usage, etc.) However
it is hard to find the errors unless you look for them
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Errors in mechanics are
noticeable but do not impair the understanding of the story
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Numerous errors that
distract the reader and effect the readability of the story
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Not Evident
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Pages
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