21ST CENTURY LITERATURE

PERFORMANCE TASK
Short Story Writing
INSTRUCTIONS
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the basic elements of a short story—
setting, characters, plot, conflict, and theme—by writing their own original short story and providing
a reflective explanation of how each element is used in their narrative.

OUTLINE AND FORMAT

1. FRONT PAGE
 Must include TITLE page, subject, subject-teacher, submitted by and submitted to
2. SHORT STORY
 Write an original short story that includes all five essential elements: setting, characters,
plot, conflict, and theme.
 Your story should be at least 1-2 pages in length, typed or neatly handwritten.
 Be creative! Use colorful descriptions, engaging dialogue, and interesting scenarios to bring
your story to life.

3. ELEMENTS OF THE SHORT STORY

Your story must include:
 Setting: Describe where and when your story takes place.
 Characters: Introduce and develop your characters (at least 2-3 main characters).
 Plot: Follow a clear sequence of events with a beginning, middle, and end.
 Conflict: Present a problem or challenge your characters must face.
 Theme: Convey a central message, lesson, or moral through your story.

4. REFLECTION
After writing your story, complete a 1-page reflection where you:
 Explain how you developed the setting and why it was important for your story.
 Describe your characters and their roles in the story.
 Summarize the plot and how the events unfold.
 Identify the conflict in your story and how it was resolved.
 State the theme and the message you wanted to communicate to your readers.

5. PRESENTATION (Optional):
 You may be asked to share your short story with the class. Be prepared to read a brief
excerpt and discuss how you applied the elements of a short story.
 RUBRICS FOR GRADING
Points
1 (Needs
Criteria 4 (Excellent) 3 (Good) 2 (Satisfactory) Earne
Improvement)
d
The setting is The setting is
The setting is
clearly described described but The setting is
Setting mentioned but
and enhances the could use more unclear or missing.
lacks clarity.
story. detail.
Characters are Characters are not
Characters are Characters are
Character developed but developed or
well-developed present but lack
s could use more difficult to
and believable. development.
depth. understand.
The plot is well- The plot is The plot is
The plot is
organized with a organized but somewhat
Plot disorganized and
clear beginning, could use more organized but lacks
unclear.
middle, end. detail or structure. clear progression.
The conflict is The conflict is The conflict is The conflict is
Conflict engaging and present but could unclear or weakly missing or
resolved logically. use more detail. presented. unresolved.
The theme is
The theme is clear The theme is vague The theme is
present but could
Theme and effectively or not fully missing or difficult
be developed
conveyed. expressed. to identify.
further.
Thorough Adequate
Explanation lacks Reflection is
explanation of how explanation of
Reflection depth or clarity in incomplete or
elements were elements, with
several areas. missing.
developed. minor gaps.
Creativity The story lacks
The story is highly The story shows The story is
and significant
creative and some creativity unoriginal or
Originalit creativity or
original. and originality. repetitive.
y originality.

Total Points: 100 points

Submission Guidelines:

 Submit your short story and reflection on or before November 27 2024. Make sure your
work is neat and free from spelling or grammatical errors.

Notes:

 Be sure to follow the writing process: plan, draft, revise, and edit.
 If you need inspiration, you can base your story on a personal experience, a book you’ve
read, or a fictional idea that interests you.
 Ask for feedback from peers or the teacher during the writing process.