Short stories have
• a focused purpose
• setting details woven into the text of the story, allowing the reader entry into the story
• development of at least one character through his own words, thoughts, and actions and/or through those of another character
• a tightly-woven plot limited to one main idea or purpose
• a problematic conflict which is developed as the story progresses
• a resolution of that conflict
• idea development through snapshots, thoughtshots, dialogue, description, etc.
Poems
• have a focused purpose which may paint a picture, recreate a feeling, tell a story, capture a moment, etc.
• have a form chosen to suit the purpose
• do not sacrifice meaning for rhyme
• include strong imagery
• are condensed and carefully crafted
• have strong verbs and precise nouns
• use poetic devices and language
• use line breaks, punctuation, and other surface features to enhance the purpose
Plays or Scripts
(Note: though scripts can take many forms for many purposes, the following characteristics apply to literary plays or scripts)
• follow the format for stories (plot, conflict, climax, etc.)
• have a clear purpose
• are organized into acts or scenes as transitional devices
• use effective, natural dialogue through which the characters are revealed
• use all conventions of drama, such as stage directions, scene setting, asides, etc.
Short Stories
Do the short stories reflect the characteristics of the genre?
Are the short stories focused on a clear purpose?
How do the writers engage the readers' interest?
How many short stories were in your portfolios?
What weaknesses/ problems did you see in the short stories?
Poetry
Do the poems reflect the characteristics of the genre?
Are the poems focused on a clear purpose?
How do the writers engage the readers' interest?
How many poems were in your portfolios?
What weaknesses/ problems did you see in the poems?
Plays or scripts
Do the plays or scripts reflect the characteristics of the genre?
Are the plays focused on a clear purpose?
How do the writers engage the readers' interest?
How many literary plays or scripts were in your portfolios?
What weaknesses/ problems did you see in the plays or scripts?