SCORING THE ACT PERSUASIVE WRITING

Scoring Guidelines Every essay submitted will be read and scored by two individuals. The scores range from a 0-6 In order to “pass” the ACT / MME a score of an EIGHT is needed on the writing portion; however, our aim should be higher than an 8! Person 1= 4 Person 2= 4 Total: 8

SCORE 6 Clear understanding of the task. Takes a position on the issue. Fully responds to the counter-argument. Ideas are fully explained. A clear focus on the prompt is maintained. Contains an introduction and a conclusion-which are effective. Clear use of transitions. There are few, if any, distractions in the writing.

SCORE 5 Clear understanding of the task. Takes a position on the issue. Fully responds to the counter-argument. Ideas are explained. A clear focus on the prompt is maintained throughout most of the essay. Contains an introduction and a conclusion-which are effective. Clear use of transitions. There may be few distractions in the writing.

SCORE 4 Shows an understanding of the task. Takes a position on the issue. Responds to the counter-argument. Ideas are somewhat explained. A clear focus on the prompt is maintained throughout most of the essay. Contains an introduction and a conclusion-which are somewhat effective. Clear use of transitions. There may be some distractions in the writing.

SCORE 3 Shows some understanding of the task. The essay takes a position but does not offer a context for discussion. Only briefly acknowledges the counter-argument. Focus strays off topic a little. Transitions are simple. Introduction and conclusion are underdeveloped. Errors may be distracting.

SCORE 2 A weak understanding of the task. The essay may not have a clear position. No counter-argument. Strays off topic. No transitions. No clear introduction and conclusions. Errors are frequent.

SCORE 1 No understanding of the task. No position. No counter-argument. No logical sequence of ideas. No introduction or conclusion. Errors significantly impede understanding.

SCORE 0 The essay will not be graded if it is left blank, completely off-topic, not legible, not written in English, or void.

Essay A SCORE: This essay received an 8. What makes this essay an 8 and not a 12? Strengths and weaknesses?

ESSAY B SCORE: This essay scored an 4.

ESSAY C SCORE: This essay received a 11. Why did this writer succeed?

ESSAY D SCORE: This essay received a 10 Strengths? Weaknesses?

ESSAY E SCORE: This essay received a 6