1. 7th Grade | Personal Narrative
STAAR Writing Rubric
7th Grade | Personal Narrative

2. Score Point 1 Form/structure inappropriate for purpose
Marginal organizational strategies/literary devices do not fit prompt
Details do not contribute to narrative
Lack of focus on personal experience weakens unity and coherence of narrative
Narrative presentation weak
Repetitious/wordy
Lacks transitions; flow is unclear or difficult to follow
Inappropriate details (vague or insufficient)
Response to prompt is vague or confused. Does not address prompt
Failure to create realistic situation
Failure to address motivations for behavior or actions
Failure to show awareness of changes
Failure to show insight the developed because of experience
Word choice is vague/limited
Writing shows no awareness of purpose
Sentence structure is simple, awkward, uncontrolled
No command of syntax (sentence structure, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar and writing conventions)

3. Score Point 2
Form/structure somewhat appropriate for purpose; may not communicate importance or meaning
Some details do not contribute to the narrative; focus may not be held constant
Narrative presentation is inconsistent
Some repetition/wordiness
Transitions and sentence-to-sentence connections are weak
Link is not made between experience and its meaning
Development of narrative is minimal or surface level because details are missing
Details provide little or no understanding of why this experience was meaningful
Narrative has little or no thoughtfulness
Provide some elements of realistic situation; but few motivations for behavior or actions
Does not address insight or lesson learned from experience
Word choice is general or imprecise; limits ability to relate story
Reflects basic awareness of purpose
Awkward or somewhat controlled sentence structure
Partial command of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar and writing conventions
Errors create distraction or disruption in writing fluency or meaning

4. Score Point 3 Form/structure is mostly appropriate for purpose
Response is related or tied directly to prompt
Organizational strategies/lit. devices suit task
Experience and meaning is conveyed
Details support narrative
Focuses on specific experience and does not waver
Coherent, but might have lapses in focus
Meaningful transitions
Links experience to meaning
Reflects some thoughtfulness; reflects realistic situation
Provides reasonable motivation for behavior and actions
Includes reasonable insight / “lesson learned” from experience
Word choice is specific and concrete; reflects purpose
Sentences are varied and adequately controlled
Adequate command of spelling, writing conventions, grammar, syntax

5. Score Point 4 Structure is appropriate for purpose Response is focused
All details contribute to effectiveness of narrative
Focus is held on specific personal experience
Presentation is well controlled; meaningful transitions are made
Connection is made between experience and its meaning
Thoughtful and engaging; motivations for behavior and actions are included and focused
Insight or changes are noted based on experience
Word choice is vivid and expressive
Sentences are purposeful, varied and well controlled
Consistent command of syntax, grammar and spelling