Your essay will be scored on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being the best. A response that receives a score point of 1 is an undeveloped written response, while a score point of 4 is assigned to a response that is very well developed. The table below provides guidelines as to how each essay will be scored.
Writing Summary Score Scale |
|
Score Point Description |
4 |
The "4" response demonstrates a strong command of writing skills. |
| A: |
The response fully addresses the topic. Language and style are appropriate. |
| F: |
The main idea or thesis statement is clearly expressed. Connections to the main idea or thesis statement are effectively maintained. |
| O: |
The response is effectively organized. Connections from sentence to sentence and from paragraph to paragraph are clear and purposeful. |
| D: |
Support is strong and full. It is relevant, varied, and specific. |
| G: |
There are very few, if any, errors in grammar and mechanics. Usage and word choice are effective and precise. Sentence structure is correct, effective, and varied. |
3 |
The "3" response demonstrates a general command of writing skills. |
| A: |
The response generally addresses the topic. Language and style are generally appropriate. |
| F: |
The main idea or thesis statement is expressed. Connections to the main idea or thesis statement are generally maintained. |
| O: |
The response is mostly organized. Connections from sentence to sentence and from paragraph to paragraph are generally clear. |
| D: |
Support is general. It is generally relevant. It may not be varied. There are some specifics. |
| G: |
There are minor errors in grammar and mechanics. Usage and word choice may be basic and contain minor errors. Sentence structure may contain minor errors and show only some variation. |
2 |
The "2" response demonstrates a limited command of writing skills. |
| A: |
The response partially addresses the topic. Language and style may be inappropriate. |
| F: |
The main idea or thesis statement may have to be inferred. Connections to the main idea or thesis statement are only partially maintained. |
| O: |
The response is only partially organized. Connections from sentence to sentence and from paragraph to paragraph may be unclear. |
| D: |
Support is limited. It may be only partially relevant. It may not be specific. |
| G: |
Major and minor errors in grammar, mechanics, usage, word choice, and sentence structure are distracting and may interfere with meaning. |
1 |
The "1" response demonstrates a weak command of writing skills. |
| A: |
The response attempts to address the topic. Language and style are inappropriate. |
| F: |
The main idea or thesis statement is not clear. Connections to the main idea or thesis statement are not maintained. |
| O: |
There is little or no organization in the response. Connections from sentence to sentence and from paragraph to paragraph are unclear. |
| D: |
Support is weak. There is little or no relevant development. |
| G: |
Numerous major and minor errors in grammar, mechanics usage, word choice, and sentence structure impede meaning. |
| |
U |
The response is unrelated to the assigned topic, illegible, primarily in a language other than English, not of sufficient length to score, or merely a repetition of the assignment. |
| |
B |
There is no response to the assignment. |
