CATEGORY

4 - Excellent (A)

3 - Good (B)

2 - Adequate (C)

1 - Try Again (D or F)

Opening

Opening has a "grabber" or catchy beginning.

Opening has a decent "grabber."

A catchy beginning was attempted but was confusing rather than catchy.

No attempt was made to catch the reader's attention in the opening.

Creativity

The story contains many creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's enjoyment. The author has uniquely used his imagination.

The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions that contribute to the reader's enjoyment. The author has used his imagination.

The story contains a few creative details and/or descriptions, but they distract from the story. The author has tried to use his imagination.

There is little evidence of creativity in the story. The author does not seem to have used much imagination.

Conventions

Only minor errors in grammar / mechanics.

May contain an occasional significant error in grammar / mechanics, but not a pattern.

There are some significant errors in grammar and mechanics.

Significant errors in grammar and mechanics disrupt the flow of writing and/or distract the reader.