Rubric for Poetry Assignments 9th Grade

Poetry Rubric

Poetry in Motion

Directions: Write a love poem using imagery. Use at least one example of onomatopoeia and at least one example of personification.

Traits	4	3	2	1
Title	Title is perfect for the piece and beckons the reader.	The title fits the poem and intrigues the reader.	The title is somewhat appropriate to the overall effect of the poem.	The title does not fit the overall effect of the poem.
Content	The poem clearly and concisely develops a purposeful idea and paints a picture.	The poem clearly develops an idea that is meaningful.	The poem begins to tell a story to the reader, but more detail is needed.	The poem does not tell a story the reader can relate to/understand.
Organization	The writer communicates in a complete, compelling manner. Transitions enhance the overall order.	The writer tells things in an order that makes sense and keeps the reader's interest. Transitions are evident.	The poem has promise. In some places it moves along nicely, but in other places it seems bogged down.	The poem does not flow; the writer tells things in an order that leaves the reader confused.
Tone	The poem has a life of its own. The writer's individual voice is heard in every word.	The poem has personality. The writer's individual voice is heard frequently.	The poet is beginning to share with the reader his true feelings, but more emotion is needed.	The poem does not show how the writer feels, so the reader has difficulty relating to the poet.
Poetic Devices/ Creativity	The writer uses vivid imagery: with at least one example of onomatopoeia and personification to paint a picture in the reader's mind. Highly imaginative; poet is clearly expanding his own boundaries	The writer often uses imagery to paint a picture in the reader's mind. Unique; evidence of risk-taking.	The writer is beginning to show promise by using vivid words and some attempts at literary devices. Some experimentation with imagination.	The reader has to dig for meaning; the writer does not use vivid words to get across the idea and fails to use imagery or poetic devices to "show" the reader.
Conventions	Error free. The writer demonstrates sophisticated use of conventions.	Almost a perfect paper with few errors.	Mistakes sometimes distract the reader.	Mistakes are abundant and impede meaningful reading. No evidence of proofreading.