Write Realistic Fiction

Unit One Composition

Writing Prompt: Write a realistic story about a character who reaches a turning point in his or her life.

Scoring Rubric:

Realistic Fiction

4 3 2 1

Focus / Ideas Story clearly focused on one event Story generally focused on one event Story lacks focus; event unclear Story without focus;

No event

Organization Organized with clear beginning, middle, and end Organized with beginning, middle, and end Lacks clear beginning, middle and end Lacks organization

Voice Voice of character / narrator believable and engaging Voice of character / narrator mostly believable Character or narrator lacking distinct voice Voice of character or narrator not believable

Word Choice Word choice vivid, strong, and precise Word choice adequate Word choice weak, few examples of strong and precise choices Dull and / or inaccurate word choices throughout

Sentences Clear, varied sentences; excellent flow Mostly clear sentences with good variety Some sentences unclear; little or no variety Incoherent sentences; dull, choppy style

Conventions Few, if any errors. Correct end punctuation for declarative and interrogative sentences Several minor errors Manny errors, some serious. Incorrect end punctuation in declarative and / or interrogative sentences Numerous errors; hard to understand

Realistic Fiction

Remember:

• Realistic fiction tells about made – up characters and events that seem believable.

This means:

• Could actually happen

• Story has believable problem

• The setting is real

• Author is writing about the characters (no I, me or my).

Before completing the sequence graphic organizer answer the following questions for you story.

1) Where is the setting?

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2) Who are the characters?

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3) What is the problem / challenge that happens in the story?

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4) What is the solution to the problem in the story?

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