1. SCORING THE ACT PERSUASIVE WRITING

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

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

11. ESSAY B
SCORE: This essay scored an 4.

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

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

14. ESSAY E
SCORE: This essay received a 6