Rubric on Writing a Declamation

Score
5 4 3 2
Criteria
There is one clear,
well – focused Main idea is The main idea is not
Main idea is clear,
topic. Main idea somewhat clear, but clear. There is a
Focus on but the supporting
stands out and is there is a need for seemingly random
topic information is
supported by more supporting collection of
general.
detailed information. information
information
All supportive facts Almost all Most supportive No facts are reported
Accuracy
are reported supportive facts are facts are reported or most are
of facts
accurately. reported accurately. accurately. inaccurately reported.
The introduction The introduction
The introduction is clearly states the states the main
inviting, states the main topic and topic, but does not There is no clear
main topic, and previews the adequately preview introduction of the
Introduction
previews the structure of the the structure of the main topic or
structure of the paper, but it is not paper nor is it structure of the paper.
paper inviting to the inviting to the
reader. reader.
Details are placed Details are placed
in a logical order in a logical order, Some details are Many details are not
and the way they but the way they not in a logical or in a logical or
Sequencing are presented are presented expected order, and expected order. There
effectively keeps sometimes makes this distracts the is little sense that the
the interest of the the writing less reader. writing is organized.
reader. interesting.
Almost all
Most sentences
All sentences sound sentences sound The sentences are
sound natural and
natural and are easy natural and are easy difficult to read aloud
are easy – on – the
– on – the – ear – on – the – ear because they sound
Flow and – hear when read
when read aloud. when read aloud. awkward, are
rhythm aloud, but several
Each sentence is But 1 or 2 are distractingly
are awkward or
clear and has an awkward or repetitive, or difficult
difficult to
obvious emphasis. difficult to to understand.
understand.
understand.
Writer uses vivid
Writer uses vivid Writer uses a limited
words and phrases
words and phrases vocabulary, which
that linger or draw Writer uses words
that linger or draw does not
pictures in the that communicate
pictures in the communicate
Word reader’s mind, and clearly, but the
reader’s mind, but strongly or capture
choice the choice and writing lacks
occasionally the the reader’s interest.
placement of the variety, punch or
words are sued Jargon or clichés may
words seems flair.
inaccurately or be present and detract
accurate, natural,
seem overdone. from the meaning
and not forced.
 RUBRIC FOR THE DECLAMATION PERFORMANCE
Not Yet Within Minimally Meets Fully Meets Exceeds SCORE
Delivery
Expectations (1-2) Expectations (3) Expectations (4) Expectations (5) (25)

• point of view and • point of view and • point of view and • point of view and
character are character are clear character are clear, character are
Point of View
inconsistent and consistent focused, and integrated;
• an implied listener • an implied listener consistent • an implied listener is
is seldom evident is evident • an implied listener evident throughout
is established the monologue
• lacks involvement; • behaviors, • gestures or • natural gestures and
no movement or gestures, or movements are movement enhance
Physical
gestures movements do not fine, but may have message; fit character
Delivery
• limited use of fit the character omitted obvious or role
nonverbal gestures • nonverbal gestures character behaviors • nonverbal gestures
and facial and facial • nonverbal and facial expression
expressions expressions are gestures and facial enhance
occasionally expression suit the characterization
distracting or character
inappropriate for
the character
Pacing •Either too fast or •Either too fast or •Delivery generally •Excellent pacing,
too slow. too slow or length. Successful. including dramatic
pauses.
Speaking • uses volume, tone, • uses volume, tone, • uses volume, • adjusts volume,
Techniques and pace and pace somewhat tone, and pace tone, and pace to
inappropriately or to suit the content appropriate to the achieve a special
ineffectively and purpose content and effect or for impact
• Enunciation is not • Enunciation is purpose • Enunciation is
clear; monologue mostly clear; • Enunciation is exceptionally clear;
does not flow monologue flows clear; expression is monologue flows
smoothly and adequately with appropriate and smoothly without
contains many breaks some noticeable natural; monologue noticeable breaks or
or fillers that are out breaks or fillers (um, flows well with few fillers that are out of
of character uh, etc) that are out noticeable breaks or character
of character fillers that are out of
character
Memorization Performer puts Actor does not know Actor knows lines Actor knows all of
in no effort. their very their
lines and hesitates well, there are few lines so well that
so hesitations. there
much that their are no hesitations.
monologue is
distracting.
TOTAL