AVB Factor Scoring

Archdale Virtual Bookshelf assesses stories based on 5 Factors.

  • Each factor is on a scale from 0 to 3.
    • A score of 1 is considered average for that specific factor.
  • The highest total score is 15; the lowest is 0.
    • A total score of 10 or higher is considered above-average.
  • The minimum score goal is 5; books not reaching this are not listed anywhere else besides a singular assessment post.

The details about each factor are below.

Plot Development & Execution (PDE)

  • From 0 to 1 point: General clearness/focus/drive toward a certain goal
  • 1 to 2: More original interpretation/usage of common themes and situations, clear progression and appropriate pacing. Possible lacking points:
    • too many filler scenes or side events that don’t contribute to the plot
    • plot direction is clear but not compelling
    • inconsistent pacing or plot holes which are not mystery elements
  • 2 to 3: Original and fresh interpretation/usage of common themes and situations, captivating progression with fluid pacing, multi-layered plot points connecting to overarching main one. Possible defining points:
    • unexpected yet sensible plot twists that progress rather than regress
    • actions and events build up anticipation or later lead to something important
    • overlooked, minor details have later, surprising significance
    • skillful usage of easter eggs and or allusions
  • Key words: Focused, Significant, and Captivating.

Character Design & Development (CDD):

  • From 0 to 1 point: Some character insight into thoughts and emotions.
  • 1 to 2: Better/deeper insight, character differentiation, addition of gestures and active and varied speech verbs, some character development. Possible lacking points:
    • inconsistent or lacking character insights
    • too many (or overlapping) characters that could be cut or combined
    • some characters are unoriginal or indistinctive/follow tropes/roles
  • 2 to 3: Starkly defined, differentiated characters with varied gestures and speech verbs, deep insight into feelings, emotions, motivations, fears, and desires, clear character development. Possible defining points:
    • compelling, persuasive, realistic, believable, and or relatable characters
    • good balance in number of characters in line with their depth/importance
    • characters come alive, expressions and gestures are easily visualized
    • compulsion to root for characters or interest in future actions, anticipation
    • another known story’s character could not successfully replace this particular story character
  • Key words: Differentiated, Insightful, and Compelling. 

Settings & World Building (SWB)

  • From 0 to 1 point: Basic description of settings, none to minimal world building
  • 1 to 2: More defined world-building, settings may contribute to atmosphere, tone, or tension. Possible lacking points:
    • obscure or inconsistent settings and tone
    • sparse details leading to unclear visualization
    • too much description that does not add to tone or new world building
  • 2 to 3: Vivid and balanced description of settings, progressive world-building in rich, varied forms, immersive, engaging experience. Possible defining points:
    • evocative visualization of settings and character movements
    • settings greatly contribute to tone, rising tension, or anticipation in plot
    • memorable world with unique features appropriate to genre
  • Key words: Balanced, Evocative, and Immersive.

Example Assessment Factor Scores:

Technical Quality

0 :  the mld summer breze billow comfortly against her chek. lay under daple shay of narled oak tree. she relesh the sensashon, was simple a perfect afternon. Nothig could pry her a way from spot, only super now could becken her

1 : The mild summer breze billowed comfortingly against her cheek as she lay under dapple shade of narled oak tree. she relish the sensation for it was simple a perfect afternoon. nothing could pry her away from spot, only super now could becken her.

2 :  The mild summer breeze billowed comfortingly against her cheek as she laid under the dappled shade of the narled oak tree. She relished the sensation for it was simply a perfect afternoon. Nothing could pry her away from this spot, only supper now could becken her.

3 :  The mild, summer breeze billowed comfortingly against her cheek as she laid under the dappled shade of the gnarled oak tree. She relished the sensation, for it was simply a perfect afternoon. Nothing could pry her away from this spot; only supper now could beckon her.

Style & Voice (+ Reading Level where 0-1=low, 2=medium, 3=high)

0 :  The wind blew against her face. She sat under a tree. It was a perfect day.

1 :  The breeze blew gently against her face. She was sitting under an old oak tree. It was a perfect afternoon, and she was enjoying the weather.

2 :  The summer breeze blew gently against her cheek while she sat in the shade of the old oak tree. She enjoyed the sensation. It was a perfect afternoon, and nothing could take her away from this spot; only dinner now could make her leave.

3 :  The mild, summer breeze billowed comfortingly against her cheek as she laid under the dappled shade of the gnarled oak tree. She relished the sensation, for it was simply a perfect afternoon. Nothing could pry her away from this spot; only supper now could beckon her.

Plot Development & Execution + Settings & World Building

0 : Tells and doesn’t show. Lists actions and confusing events that don’t connect or lead to something greater or significant. Stagnant and unoriginal with little world building.

1 : Tells and sometimes shows. Events are sometimes confusing with little overarching direction or meaning. Includes fillers or useless information. Lacks originality or differentiation.

2 : Shows and tells adequately when it is usually necessary, but show/tell is not balanced all the time. Events are mostly understandable with clear direction and significance. Original or freshly portrays a common storyline. Steady, consistent world building and clear settings.

3 : A balanced show and tell storytelling that highlights key events while passing over unnecessary minor occurrences. Events connect and build upon one another into a perfectly cohesive and engrossing story with clear themes and meanings. Imaginative, immersive, compelling plot and world.

Character Design & Development

0 : Uses common character tropes with no differentiation whatsoever. Bland and lacking depth or motivations. Has Mary Sue type characters.

1 : Uses common character tropes with little differentiation. Characters have little depth or have some Mary Sue type features.

2 : Even if character tropes are used, they have differentiating features that make them fresh and original. Characters have sufficient depth and balanced attributes.

3 : Characters are fresh, original, and balanced. They have depth and develop with the story. Some key defining points are their relatability and or memorability.

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