Essays on this level demonstrate a clear command of writing
and thinking skills, despite the occasional, infrequent
minor error. Characteristics of essays on this level include:
1. intelligent, convincing development of a position on the
issue
2. selection of relevant examples and other evidence to
support its position
3. smooth, well-orchestrated progression from idea to idea
4. use of varied sentence types and appropriate vocabulary
5. freedom from most technical flaws (mistakes in grammar,
usage, diction) These essays are insightful.
Scoring Level 5
Essays on this level exhibit a generally dependable command
of writing and thinking skills, despite some mistakes
along the way. Characteristics of essays on this level include:
1. proficient, coherent development of a position on the
issue
2. selection of basically relevant evidence to support its
position
3. relatively well-ordered progression from idea to idea
4. reasonably varied sentence structure
5. relative freedom from technical flaws These essays are effective.
Scoring Level 4
Essays on this level exhibit a generally adequate command of
writing and thinking skills, although they are typically inconsistent
in quality. Characteristics of essays on this level include:
1. workmanlike development of a position on the issue
2. selection of reasonably appropriate evidence to support
its position
3. acceptable progression from idea to idea
4. somewhat varied sentence structure
5. some flaws in mechanics, usage, and grammar These essays are competent.
Scoring Level 3
Essays on this level exhibit an insufficient command of writing
and thinking skills, although they do show some signs of
developing proficiency. Characteristics of essays on this
level include:
1. sketchy development of a position on the issue
2. selection of weak or inappropriate evidence to support
its position
3. erratic progression from idea to idea
4. somewhat limited vocabulary
5. inadequately varied sentence structure
6. multiple flaws in mechanics, usage, and grammar These essays are inadequate.
Scoring Level 2
Essays on this level exhibit a quite flawed command of writing
and thinking skills. Characteristics of essays on this
level include:
1. limited development of a position on the issue
2. selection of weak or inappropriate evidence to support
its position
3. tendency toward incoherence
4. highly limited vocabulary
5. numerous problems with sentence structure
6. errors in mechanics, usage, and grammar serious
enough to interfere with the reader’s comprehension These essays are seriously flawed.
Scoring Level 1
Essays on this level exhibit an acutely flawed command of
writing and thinking skills. Characteristics of an essay on
this level include:
1. absence of evidence to support a point of view
2. lack of a position on the issue
3. absence of focus and organization
4. rudimentary vocabulary
5. severe problems with sentence structure
6. extensive flaws in mechanics, usage, and grammar
severe enough to block the reader’s comprehension These essays are fundamentally deficient.