For use in 2013 and beyond October 28, 2010
Nebraska Department of Education Scoring Guide for Narrative Writing Analytic Grade 4
1 2 3 4
The writer creates little
understanding of events of
the story.
Content has many digressions
from the topic.
Supporting details are
lacking.
Storyline is often repetitious,
disconnected, or random.
The writer creates a limited
understanding of events of the
story.
Content has some digressions
from the topic.
Limited or unrelated details are
included.
Storyline is occasionally vague.
The writer creates a general
understanding of events of the
story.
Content is generally focused on
the topic.
Adequate, related details are
included.
Storyline is generally logical and
easy to follow.
The writer creates a clear
understanding of events of the story.
Content is well-focused on the topic.
Numerous, relevant details are
included.
Storyline is logical and easy
to follow throughout.
Structural development of a
beginning, middle, or end is
lacking.
Pacing is awkward.
Transitions are missing or
connections are unclear.
Paragraphing is ineffective or
missing.
Structural development of a
beginning, middle, or end is
limited.
Pacing is somewhat inconsistent.
Transitions are repetitious or
weak.
Paragraphing is irregular.
Structural development of a
beginning, middle, and end is
functional.
Pacing is generally controlled.
Transitions are functional.
Paragraphing is generally
successful.
Structural development of a
beginning, middle, and end is
effective.
Pacing is well-controlled.
Transitions effectively show how ideas
connect.
Paragraphing is sound.
Wording is lifeless and
mechanical, conveying little
sense of the writer.
Voice is inappropriate for the
purpose and audience.
Language is neither specific,
precise, nor varied.
Wording is occasionally
expressive, conveying a limited
sense of the writer.
Voice is sometimes inappropriate
for the purpose and audience.
Language is occasionally specific,
precise, and varied.
Wording is generally expressive,
conveying a sense of the writer.
Voice is generally appropriate
for the purpose and audience.
Language is generally specific,
precise, and varied.
Wording is expressive and engaging,
conveying a strong sense of the
writer.
Voice is well-suited for the purpose
and audience.
Language is specific, precise, and
varied throughout.
Sentences seldom vary in
length or structure.
Phrasing sounds awkward
and unnatural.
Fragments or run-ons
confuse the reader.
Grammar, usage,
punctuation, and spelling
errors throughout distract
the reader.
Sentences occasionally vary in
length or structure.
Phrasing occasionally sounds
unnatural.
Fragments or run-ons sometimes
confuse the reader.
Grammar, usage, punctuation,
and spelling errors may distract
the reader.
Sentences generally vary in
length or structure.
Phrasing generally sounds
natural.
Fragments and run-ons, if
present, do not confuse the
reader.
Grammar, usage, punctuation,
and spelling are usually correct
and errors do not distract the
reader.
Sentences vary in length and
structure throughout.
Phrasing consistently sounds natural
and conveys meaning.
Fragments and run-ons, if present, are
intended for stylistic effect.
Grammar, usage, punctuation, and
spelling are consistently correct and
may be manipulated for stylistic
effect.
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