Name: _________________________

8th Humanities
Narrative Essay Rubric

Stairs Expectation Stars

Areas that need work Areas that meet expectation Areas that exceed expectation

Overall Effect:
Written with a clear and effective point of view,
conflict, pacing, development, and meaning.

Lead:
Narrative begins with a clear exposition that
introduces the setting and characters. Narrative
also clearly introduces the conflict or problem and
hints at the larger meaning or lesson.

Sequence and Pacing:

The narrative effectively uses transition words and
paragraph breaks to signal changes in time or
perspective. Narrative also uses description and
dialogue to build tension and move the action
forward. There is a clear progression from rising
action to climax to falling action and resolution.

Description and Imagery:

Narrative uses detailed descriptions of setting and
character. Narrative also describes characters’
thoughts and emotions to create meaning push the
story forward.

Resolution and Meaning:

Ending presents a clear resolution that helps the
reader understand how the characters have
changed or what they have learned. Resolution
also leaves the reader with a sense of the
narrative’s greater meaning and importance.

Conventions:
Few or no errors in spelling, punctuation,
formatting, and grammar. Narrative also uses a
variety of sentence structures for intentional effect
and pacing.
Name: _________________________
8th Humanities
Narrative Essay Rubric