| Form | Uses an inappropriate poetic form. | May use an appropriate poetic form. | Effectively uses an appropriate poetic form. | Creatively uses an appropriate poetic form. |
| Diction | Student's use of vocabulary is very basic and lacking. | Student's use of vocabulary is more showing than telling. | Student's use of vocabulary is routine and workable. | Student's use of vocabulary is precise, vivid, and paints a strong clear and complete picture in the reader's mind. |
| Poetic Devices | Uses very few, if any, of the required poetic techniques. | May not meet the four device requirements. Uses poetic devices, but not particularly in an effective manner to reinforce the theme. | Meets the four device use requirement. Uses poetic techniques to reinforce the theme. | Meets the four device use requirement. Effectively and creatively uses poetic techniques to reinforce the theme. |
| Language Conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) | Contains frequent and numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation that interfere with the reader's understanding. | May contain multiple errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation that may interfere with the reader's understanding. | Has mainly appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains several, errors that interfere with the reader's understanding. | Has appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains few, if any, errors that interfere with the reader's understanding. |
| Effort | Student's work demonstrates a lack of understanding of the assignment. | Student's work demonstrates some understanding of the assignment. | Student's work demonstrates an understanding of the assignment. | Student's work demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment and goes beyond the requirements. |