AWA Scoring and Criteria 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A second human rater scores the essay

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Severe lack of development with pervasive language errors making comprehension difficult

Answer

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

Question 3

The AWA score is reported on what scale?

Accepted Answer

0 to 6 in half-point increments

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The two scores are averaged

Answer

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

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA Scoring and Criteria 3