rubric

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Why a rubric?

A few players asked for a way to look more closely at their worku not to be judged, but to be coached. For that reason, using chatGPT, I built a rubric to evaluate worku on a 5 criteria point scale (below). When used, chatGPT applies this rubric as a gentle craft guide – reading for integration, flow, imagery, turn, and resonance rather than “scoring” the poem.

Haiku isn’t about scoring. It’s about attention and noticing image, turn, and what lingers. But worku adds an extra challenge using constraint words while still telling a small, honest moment. Doing both at once is hard. Craft matters, even when the goal isn’t perfection.

Worku began as a way for me to write every day. Something small. Something simple. A practice in showing rather than telling, using limits as a guide instead of an obstacle. The rubric is here to support that same practice for anyone who wants it.

You don’t need to use it. You don’t need to agree with it. Think of it as one way of reading, like a lens, not a verdict. Worku is a tool to practice, not to perfect.

This rubric isn’t about winning. Let’s leave that to other word-games. worku is a way to write and look at craft, choice, and resonance.

If you’d like to use the AI rubric, send me an email mick@worku.game.

The rubric below is for you to use or invent your own. The goal is to practice, to write, every day. This is one way I do it.

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Example of AI generated evaluation

Here’s Mark’s worku from 23 December read through the worku 25-point rubric:

Mark 3/6
Stale doll eyed STARE
Out for CLOUT, a moral drought
GLINT of sneer appears

TOTAL SCORE: 20 / 25 → Excellent

This is a sharp, character-driven Worku with a clear ethical stance and a crisp visual payoff.

1) Imagery (0–5) → 4 / 5

Strong visual cues:
“doll eyed STARE” → uncanny, specific
“GLINT of sneer” → facial micro-moment

Line 2 is more abstract (“moral drought”), which keeps this from a 5.

2) Constraint Integration (0–5) → 5 / 5

STARE → CLOUT → GLINT are:

in correct order
naturally embedded
essential to the meaning

Clean, disciplined use.

3) Emotional Resonance (0–5) → 4 / 5

Disapproval and cynicism come through clearly.
The poem judges through observation rather than statement.
The final line crystallizes the character.

4) Rhythm & Flow (0–5) → 4 / 5

Good cadence and clarity.

Line 1 snaps
Line 3 lands cleanly
Line 2 is heavier but readable.

5) Craft & Cleverness (0–5) → 3 / 5

Solid craft without gimmicks.
The turn from abstract motive → concrete sneer works
Not especially surprising, but effective

FINAL: 20 / 25

Why this works

Clear character sketch
Strong opening image
Clean moral turn at the end

This is a confident, upper-tier Worku — incisive and controlled rather than flashy.

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The Worku Rubric (25 points)
A gentle guide for rereading your poem.

Worku is play. This rubric is optional. It’s not a grade—just one way to notice craft, choice, and resonance.

1) Constraint Use (0–5)

How naturally do the required words live in the poem?

5 Seamless. The words feel inevitable.
3–4 Integrated with care.
1–2 Present but forced or ornamental.
0 Missing or not used as required.

2) Haiku Shape & Flow (0–5)

Does it read like a haiku—breath, pacing, and a clean movement?

5 Clear flow and a satisfying turn.
3–4 Mostly smooth, minor roughness.
1–2 Awkward breaks or unclear movement.
0 Not functioning as a haiku.

(Strict syllable counting is optional here; breath and clarity matter more.)

3) Imagery & Specificity (0–5)

Does it show something concrete and particular?

5 Vivid, specific images you can see.
3–4 Clear imagery with room to sharpen.
1–2 Mostly abstract or familiar phrasing.
0 No image emerges.

4) Turn / Surprise (0–5)

Is there a shift, reveal, or “click” between lines?

5 A genuine turn that lands.
3–4 A subtle turn.
1–2 Predictable or flat.
0 No turn.

5) Resonance (0–5)

What lingers after reading?

5 Stays with you.
3–4 Thoughtful or pleasing.
1–2 Fades quickly.
0 Little impact.

Total: 0–25

The number matters less than what you notice. Use what helps; ignore what doesn’t.

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letters fall in line / from puzzle to quiet verse / worku every day