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Writing Assessment Program
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. 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)
© 2005-2008, Southeast Missouri State University
Last Updated 28 January 2008
by Dave Reinheimer