AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL INCIDENT rubric

The autobiographical incident is a well-told story about a specific occurrence in a writer's life. It uses vivid sensory details to engage the reader in the event. It also includes some kind of revelation, implied or stated, about the event's significance to the writer. The author's voice is natural and honest, allowing the reader to experience and share the feelings of the author during the event.

Each category is worth as much as four points for a total of 40.

0=not evident

1=minimal evidence of mastery

2=adequate evidence of mastery

3=strong evidence of mastery

4=outstanding evidence of mastery

___ The beginning of the essay captures the reader's interest.

___ The essay focuses on a single incident.

___ The pacing of the narrative is well-crafted.

___ The author describes people, places, times in appropriate detail.

___ The author uses dialogue or other techniques in re-telling the incident.

___ The author describes his/her thoughts about the incident.

___ The author tells what he or she thinks about the incident now. Personal significance is evident.

___ The ending is a well-integrated part of the whole story.

___ The essay is clearly organized.

___ Conventions are in order.

___ Total

Writer:_________________________