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                                                  What's the marker looking for?

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                                                  It easy easy to assume that teacher's responses to creative writing are highly subjective - they like or dislike it because they are interested or disinterested in particular themes or styles of writing. This is NOT true!

                                                  HSC markers are looking for particular things no matter what they are reading. The HSC rubrics tell you markers look for:
                                                  • a link to the stimulus material (quote or image)
                                                  • an unusual idea about belonging
                                                  • a strong beginning to capture their attention
                                                  • a complication which is resolved by the end
                                                  • interesting vocabulary and language techniques
                                                  • writing that makes the reader feel something strongly
                                                  • correct paragraphs, spelling and punctuation


                                                  The rubric below from Saskatchwan Education explains very clearly what markers are looking for in creative writing. Click on "Download File" to see the full version which discusses Ideas, Organisation (structure), Voice, Word Choice (vocabulary), Sentence Structure and Mechanics (editing) for each of the headings below.

                                                  Even though this rubric will different from the one your teacher is using, it is a perfect way of self-assessing your story. Don't hand anything to your teacher unless you know it's "awesome"!

                                                  Awesome 4

                                                  It captivates the reader. The writer has chosen words carefully for maximum effect and interest. The reader learns something about the writer from the piece.

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                                                  Cool 3

                                                  It is interesting and well organized. There is some description and detail to support the key ideas. It has  interesting vocabulary and a few literary techniques

                                                  It’s a start...

                                                  It contains common ideas written in a simple way. The reader may have trouble figuring out what the main points are. The conflict may not be resolved

                                                  Still in your head...

                                                  Unclear to the reader. The ideas may not make sense. The writing may have so many errors that the reader cannot figure out what it says.

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                                                  creative_writing_rubric__from_saskatchewan_education.doc
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