Pennsylvania Writing Assessment Domain Scoring Guide

 

Focus

 Content Organization Style Conventions
The single controlling point made with an awareness of task (mode) about a specific topic. The presence of ideas developed through facts, examples, anecdotes, details, opinions, statistics, reasons, and/or explanations. The order developed and sustained within and across paragraphs using transitional devices and including introduction and conclusion. The choice, use and arrangement of words and sentence structures that create tone and voice. Grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation.

 

  Focus Content Organization Style Conventions
4 Sharp, distinct controlling point made about a single topic with evident awareness of task (mode). Substantial, specific, and/or illustrative content demonstrating strong development and sophisticated ideas. Sophisticated arrangement of content with evident and/or subtle transitions. Precise, illustrative use of a variety of words and sentence structures to create consistent writer's voice and tone appropriate to audience. Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.
3 Apparent point made about a single topic with sufficient awareness of task (mode). Sufficiently developed content with adequate elaboration or explanation. Functional arrangement of content that sustains a logical order with some evidence of transitions. Generic use of a variety of words and sentence structures that may or may not create a writer's voice and tone appropriate to audience. Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation.
2 No apparent point but evidence of a specific topic. Limited content with inadequate elaboration or explanation. Confused or inconsistent arrangement of content with or without attempts at transition. Limited word choice and control of sentence structures that inhibit voice and tone. Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation.
1 Minimal evidence of a topic. Superficial and/or minimal content. Minimal control of content arrangement. Minimal variety in word choice and minimal control of sentence structures. Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation.

 

Non-Scoreable Off-Prompt
*Is illegible; i.e., includes so many indecipherable words that no sense can be made of the response.

*Is incoherent; i.e., words are legible but syntax is so garbled that responses make no sense.

*Is insufficient; i.e., does not include enough to assess domains adequately

*Is a blank paper

 *Is readable but did not respond to the prompt.