Florida College Basic Skills Exit Test Writing Sample Scoring Criteria

 

Score

Topic Sentence and Main Idea and Details

Organization

Vocabulary and Sentence Structure

Errors

Passing or Not Passing

6

The paper has a clearly established main idea that the writer fully develops with specific details and examples.

Organization is notably logical and coherent.

Vocabulary and sentence structure are varied and effective.

.    Errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics are few and insignificant.

Passing

5

The paper has a clearly established main idea that is adequately developed and recognizable through specific details and/or examples.

Organization follows a logical and coherent pattern.

Vocabulary and sentence structure are mostly varied and effective.

Occasional errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics do not interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate.

Passing

4

The paper has an adequately stated main idea that is developed with some specific details and examples.

Supporting ideas are presented in a mostly logical and coherent manner.

Vocabulary and sentence structure are somewhat varied and effective.

Occasional errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics may interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate.

Passing

3

The paper states a main idea that is developed with generalizations or lists.

The paper may contain occasional lapses in logic and coherence and is mechanical

Vocabulary and sentence structure are repetitious and often ineffective.

A variety of errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics sometimes interferes with the writer’s ability to communicate.

Passing – lowest possible passing score!!!

2

The paper presents an incomplete or ambiguous main idea

Support is developed with generalizations and lists.

Organization is mechanical.  The paper contains occasional lapses in logic and coherence.  Word choice is simplistic, and sentence structure is disjointed

Errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics frequently interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate.

Not Passing

1

The paper has no evident main idea.  Development is inadequate and/or irrelevant.

Organization is illogical and/or incoherent.

Vocabulary and sentence structure are garbled and confusing.

Significant and numerous errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate.

Not Passing

 

On the writing subtest of the Florida College Basic Skills Exit Test, a combined score of “6” or higher is considered passing.  Two instructors will read your final essay exam.  Two instructors must give you a score of “3” or higher (3+3=6) in order for you to receive the passing score of “6.”  Because only I will be reading your in-class essay exams, the scale for the in-class exams will be half of the scale for the final exam.  In other words, a “3” is a passing grade on the in-class essay exam.  A score with a “.5” will only be used in class. (not on the final exam).  This means that you have met some of the criteria for the higher score, but you have not met all of the criteria of the higher score.