Holistic Rubric for Grade 3 Students: True Story Writing

Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Needs Improvement (1)

Content The story is engaging, well-developed, and clearly conveys a true experience in school. It includes relevant details, a clear beginning, middle, and end, and effectively communicates the significance of the special thing done. The story is mostly engaging and adequately conveys a true experience in school. It includes some relevant details, a beginning, middle, and end, and attempts to communicate the significance of the special thing done. The story is somewhat engaging but lacks development. It includes few relevant details, a weak beginning, middle, and end, and struggles to communicate the significance of the special thing done. The story is not engaging and fails to convey a true experience in school. It lacks relevant details, a clear structure, and does not communicate the significance of the special thing done.

Organization The story is well-organized with a logical sequence of events. Transitions between sentences and paragraphs are smooth, enhancing the flow of the story. The story is mostly organized with a clear sequence of events. Transitions between sentences and paragraphs are mostly smooth, maintaining the flow of the story. The story is somewhat organized but lacks a clear sequence of events. Transitions between sentences and paragraphs are weak, affecting the flow of the story. The story is poorly organized, making it difficult to follow the sequence of events. Transitions between sentences and paragraphs are missing or confusing, disrupting the flow of the story.

Language Use The language used is vivid, descriptive, and appropriate for a grade 3 level. It effectively engages the reader and enhances the story. The language used is mostly descriptive and appropriate for a grade 3 level. It generally engages the reader and supports the story. The language used is somewhat descriptive but lacks variety and appropriateness for a grade 3 level. It occasionally engages the reader but does not consistently support the story. The language used is basic and lacks descriptive elements. It does not engage the reader or support the story effectively.

Mechanics The story demonstrates accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar throughout. Capitalization and end punctuation are consistently used. The story demonstrates mostly accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Capitalization and end punctuation are mostly used correctly. The story demonstrates some errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Capitalization and end punctuation are inconsistently used. The story demonstrates frequent errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Capitalization and end punctuation are often missing or misused.

Overall Score 16-20 11-15 6-10 1-5

Note: This holistic rubric provides a general overview of the criteria and expectations for grade 3 students’ true story writing. Teachers may adapt or modify the rubric based on specific classroom needs and learning objectives.