Holistic
Scoring: Scale
Each score in Southeast's holistic
scoring scale is described on a separate Web page. Each descriptions begins with the
numerical score and a short characterization of that score. Then,
each of the holistic scoring criteria are listed with a description of the level of achievement on
that criterion for that score. An asterisk indicates a criterion
applicable only to Part II of the writing proficiency exam. For
scores 3, 4, and 5, the
description concludes with a link to a sample essay with commentary.
While the descriptions provided indicate the
characteristics of achievement at each level for each writing trait, it is
important to remember that a given essay probably will not score in the same
category for all criteria; an essay awarded a 5, for example, might rate a 6 on
focus and a 3 on style.
Test evaluators award scores on the overall impression of the writing.
6 (Clearly Excellent)
5 (Still Impressive)
4 (Adequate)
3 (Developing)
2 (Rudimentary)
1 (Incoherent)
Method |
Criteria | Scale
| Sample graded papers
|