CREATIVE WRITING—POETRY
(Check Category)
th
th
th
th
Elementary (4
–6
grade)
Junior High (7
–8
grade)
Name _______________________________________________
Grade__________
School ______________________________________________
City ________________________________________________
Title ________________________________________________
State _______________________________________________
FACTORS EVALUATED
COMMENTS
POINTS
Originality/Content/Communication
(50 pts)
1. Approach to topic is creative/original.
2. Content is organized intentionally.
3. Poem captures the reader’s interest.
4. Theme or main idea is developed and well integrated.
5. Word choice is precise and free of clichés.
6. Poem contains unique details and vivid descriptive
language.
(50 points possible)
Poetic Devices
(40 pts)
1. Rhyme
a. If the poem is in rhyme, the rhyme scheme is
correct.
b. If there is no rhyme, there are compensating sound
devices (alliteration, consonance, onomatopoeia,
etc.).
2. Meter
a. Meter is consistent throughout and appropriate.
b. If there is no meter, phrasing possesses a rhythmic
flow to distinguish it from prose.
3. Poem is infused with imagery-specific sensory
impressions, rather than broad generalities.
4. Literary devices such as metaphor or symbol add
depth or layers of meaning to the poem.
5. Visual appearance: Structure is intentional and
meaningfully connected to the content.
(40 points possible)
Writing Mechanics
(10 pts)
Writer shows a clear understanding of the rules of
capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and
grammar/syntax OR consistency and intentionality in
breaking the rules.
(10 points possible)
STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY
Total (100 possible points) ___________
I certify that this project is my own original and authentic
work and that I received no help in completing this
project other than general instruction and supervision.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Student’s Signature
Judge’s Signature