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Creative writing rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This creative writing rubric scores any piece of imaginative writing, from a story to a poem to a made-up diary: an original idea, a voice that sounds like the writer, vivid word choice, a shape that holds together, and conventions. It leaves room for students to choose the form. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with ideas counting twice; K–2 uses three plain levels. Print it, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Creative writing rubric, grades K–2

3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Creative writing rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
My ideaMy idea is new and fun, and I tell lots about it.I write about my own idea.I copy someone else's idea.
DetailsI add three or more details that make it come alive.I add one or two details.I do not add details yet.
Fun wordsI use many fun, exact words like zoomed or sparkly.I use some fun words.I use plain words.
It makes senseMy writing makes sense from start to end.Most of my writing makes sense.My reader gets lost.
Open in the maker
  • I can write about my own idea.
  • I can add details.
  • I can use fun and exact words.
  • I can write so it makes sense.

Creative writing rubric, grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Creative writing rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Ideascounts ×2An original, surprising idea developed with rich details.A clear idea with good details.An idea that is common or not developed.Idea is unclear./ 8
VoiceA lively voice that shows the writer's personality and feelings.Some personality comes through.Voice is flat in places.No voice comes through./ 4
Word choiceVivid verbs, exact nouns and fresh comparisons throughout.Some vivid words.Mostly plain words.Vague or repeated words./ 4
OrganizationA hooking beginning, a middle that builds and an ending that satisfies.A clear beginning, middle and end.One part is weak or missing.No clear shape./ 4
ConventionsAlmost no errors; any rule-breaking is on purpose.A few errors that do not get in the way.Errors make it hard to read in places.Many errors./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can develop an original idea with details.
  • I can write with a voice that sounds like me.
  • I can choose vivid, exact words.
  • I can give my writing a strong beginning, middle and end.
  • I can edit for capitals, punctuation and spelling.

Creative writing rubric, grades 6–8

4 levels, 6 criteria, 28 points in all.

Creative writing rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 28
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Originalitycounts ×2Fresh concept or angle that avoids the expected, with depth beneath the surface.An original idea with clear development.A familiar idea with some new touches.Idea is borrowed or undeveloped./ 8
Voice and styleDistinct, confident voice that fits the chosen form and audience.Clear voice that fits the form.Voice is inconsistent.Voice is flat or mismatched./ 4
CraftImagery, figurative language and sentence rhythm are used on purpose to create effect.Uses some techniques with effect.Techniques are forced or few.No clear techniques./ 4
StructureStructure, such as line breaks, scene order or pacing, strengthens the meaning.Clear structure that fits the form.Structure is loose in places.No clear structure./ 4
RevisionDraft shows major revisions that clearly improve the piece.Draft shows meaningful revisions.Only small edits between draft and final.No revision./ 4
ConventionsClean conventions; any rule-breaking is deliberate and effective.A few errors that do not distract.Errors distract in places.Errors get in the way of meaning./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can take an idea somewhere unexpected.
  • I can write with a distinct voice suited to my form and audience.
  • I can use literary techniques on purpose.
  • I can shape my piece so form supports meaning.
  • I can revise to make my writing stronger.
  • I can control conventions, and break them only on purpose.

When to use it

  • Free-choice writing time, writing prompts, or a portfolio piece in any form.
  • When students pick the form and you want one rubric that fits all of them.
  • Older students: score revision too, by comparing the draft with the final copy.

What to say to students

  • Surprise your reader. What idea could only you come up with?
  • Let it sound like you.
  • Choose words that make pictures in your reader's head.
  • Read it out loud, then make it better.

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The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.