Scoring and Criteria Flashcards

For the Analyze an Issue essay, which approach is most rewarded by AWA raters?

Answer: Taking a clear position and supporting it with specific, relevant examples and reasoning

High-scoring Issue essays take a clear stance and develop it with well-reasoned support and relevant examples.

Which of the following AWA essay characteristics would a rater classify as showing 'little control of language'?

Answer: Systematic errors in grammar, syntax, and word choice that obscure meaning

Systematic, pervasive language errors that interfere with comprehension signal poor control of standard written English.

What is the significance of the AWA score being reported separately from the Verbal and Quantitative scores?

Answer: It allows admissions committees to assess writing ability independently of other cognitive skills

Separate reporting lets programs evaluate writing as a distinct skill set from verbal or quantitative reasoning.

Which of the following would MOST strengthen an Analyze an Issue essay score?

Answer: Acknowledging and thoughtfully countering opposing views

Addressing counterarguments and refuting them demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking, which raters reward with higher scores.

AWA essays are read by trained raters who use what type of scoring method?

Answer: Holistic scoring that evaluates overall quality as a unified impression

AWA uses holistic scoring, where raters assign a single score reflecting their overall impression of the essay's quality.

What happens to an AWA essay that is off-topic or written in a language other than English?

Answer: It receives a score of 0

Essays that are off-topic or written in a language other than English receive a score of 0.

Which logical flaw should test takers prioritize identifying in the Analyze an Argument task?

Answer: Unstated assumptions that, if false, would undermine the conclusion

Identifying and explaining unstated assumptions is the core analytical move ETS expects in Argument essays.