Memoir Writing Rubric

4 = exceeds expectations
3 = adequately achieves expectations
2 = approaching adequacy
1 = inadequate
Criteria

Personal
Discovery
Memoir

Memoir focuses on a
single moment, or a
series of moments,
that seem significant
to authors personal
discovery. The
significance and
theme of the memoir
is clear and relatable.

Memoir focuses on a
single moment, or a
series of moments,
that seem somewhat
related to the authors
personal discovery.
Theme is adequate,
although it may be
clich.

Memoir focuses on a
single moment, or a
series of moments, that
loosely relate to the
authors personal
discovery. The theme
or significance is clich
or forced from the
events.

Author does not

seem to be aware of
the significance of
their personal
discovery. The
theme or
significance is
unclear and
unrelatable.

Sensory
Language

Author consistently
shows the
significance of the
events through
engaging details,
compelling language,
and sensory imagery.
At least 5-6 examples
are present.

Author sometimes
shows the
significance of the
events through
engaging details,
compelling language,
and sensory imagery.
3-4 examples are
present.

Author tells the

significance of the
events through direct
statements. Engaging
details, compelling
language, and sensory
imagery are lacking. 12 examples.

Author does not use

any compelling
language, engaging
details, or sensory
imagery

Dialogue,
Reflection,

The author uses

important examples of
dialogue that propel
the story. There is
significant use of
reflection to reveal the
thinking and the
emotions of the
author. Use of inner
dialogue develops the
significance/theme.

The author uses

important examples of
dialogue that propel
the story. There is
adequate use of inner
dialogue to reveal the
thinking and the
emotions of the
author. Use of inner
dialogue develops the
significance/theme.

The author uses no

examples of dialogue
that propel the story.
There is some use of
inner dialogue that
minimally reveal the
thinking and the
emotions of the author.
Use of inner dialogue
has little tie to the
significance/theme.

The author uses no

dialogue. There is
minimal use of inner
dialogue and the
thinking and the
emotions of the
author are not
present. Any use of
inner dialogue does
not help to develop
the theme.

Thoughts,
Emotions

Tone and
Voice

Sentence structure is
varied. Writers
personality and
emotions are
apparent. Sentences
sound smooth and
expressive.

There is some
sentence variety, but
most are simple and
predictable. There is
some evidence of
personality, but
emotion is limited.
Sentences sound
predictable.

Sentences offer little to

no variety in structure
and length. They are
confusing or choppy
when read aloud. There
is little to no personality
or emotion in the
authors writing.

Sentences offer no
variety in structure
and length. The
minimal text is
simple.

Format

Memoir is neatly
done. It is typed,
double-spaced, and in
a standard 12 point
font. There is a MLA
heading and a creative
and original title.
Memoir is more than
1.5 pages.

Memoir is mostly
neatly done. It is
typed, double-spaced,
and in a standard 12
point font. There is a
MLA heading and a
creative and original
title. Memoir is at
least 1.5 pages.

Format of memoir may

or may not be
appropriate. Memoir
may be missing some
components of standard
formatting. Memoir is
less than 1.5 pages.

Format of memoir is
not appropriate and
is missing standard
formatting
components.
Memoir is
significantly shorter
than 1.5 pages.

Conventions

Memoir has few or

minimal errors that do
not interfere with the
meaning.

Memoir contains
minimal mistakes that
do not interfere with
meaning.

Numerous minor errors

often make memoir
difficult to read.

Many errors in
spelling,
capitalization, and
punctuation often
interfere with
meaning.

Name:__________________________________________________ Score:__________ Grade:_________