Scoring and Criteria Flashcards

When a human rater and the e-rater disagree by more than one point on an AWA essay, what happens?

Answer: A second human rater scores the essay

A significant discrepancy between the human rater and the e-rater triggers adjudication by a second human rater whose score becomes final.

Which of the following essay traits would MOST likely result in a score of 1 on the AWA?

Answer: Severe lack of development with pervasive language errors making comprehension difficult

A score of 1 is reserved for essays that are fundamentally deficient—nearly incoherent with little relevant content.

The AWA score is reported on what scale?

Answer: 0 to 6 in half-point increments

AWA scores are reported on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments (e.g., 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, ... 6.0).

For the Analyze an Argument task, which of the following is considered the best analytical approach?

Answer: Identify and explain the logical flaws or unstated assumptions in the argument

The task requires critiquing the logical structure of the argument by identifying assumptions, gaps, and weaknesses—not expressing personal agreement.

How is the final AWA score calculated when two raters each give a holistic score?

Answer: The two scores are averaged

When scores are in agreement or close, the final AWA score is the average of the two ratings.

Which of the following is NOT a category assessed by AWA holistic raters?

Answer: Speed of writing (words per minute)

Raters evaluate argumentation, organization, and language control—not how quickly the test taker typed.

What does a score of 3 on the AWA typically indicate about an essay?

Answer: It is a limited essay with notable weaknesses in reasoning or language

A score of 3 is 'limited'—the essay demonstrates some competence but has significant weaknesses in analysis, development, or language.