Writing Test Scoring Rubric
The ACT Writing Test Scoring Rubric
Score 6:
Responses at this scorepoint demonstrate effective skill in writing an argumentative essay.
Score 5:
Responses at this scorepoint demonstrate well-developed skill in writing an argumentative essay.
Score 4:
Responses at this scorepoint demonstrate adequate skill in writing an argumentative essay.
Ideas and Analysis
Development and Support
Organization
Language Use
The writer generates an argument that critically engages with multiple perspectives on the given issue. The argument’s thesis reflects nuance and precision in thought and purpose. The argument establishes and employs an insightful context for analysis of the issue and its perspectives. The analysis examines implications, complexities and tensions, and/or underlying values and assumptions.
Development of ideas and support for claims deepen insight and broaden context. An integrated line of skillful reasoning and illustration effectively conveys the significance of the argument. Qualifications and complications enrich and bolster ideas and analysis. The response exhibits a skillful organizational strategy. The response is unified by a controlling idea or purpose, and a logical progression of ideas increases the effectiveness of the writer’s argument.
Transitions between and within paragraphs strengthen the relationships among ideas.
The use of language enhances the argument.
Word choice is skillful and precise. Sentence structures are consistently varied and clear. Stylistic and register choices, including voice and tone, are strategic and effective.
While a few minor errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics may be present, they do not impede understanding. The writer generates an argument that productively engages with multiple perspectives on the given issue. The argument’s thesis reflects precision in thought and purpose. The argument establishes and employs a thoughtful context for analysis of the issue and its perspectives.
The analysis addresses
Score 6:
Responses at this scorepoint demonstrate effective skill in writing an argumentative essay.
Score 5:
Responses at this scorepoint demonstrate well-developed skill in writing an argumentative essay.
Score 4:
Responses at this scorepoint demonstrate adequate skill in writing an argumentative essay.
Ideas and Analysis
Development and Support
Organization
Language Use
The writer generates an argument that critically engages with multiple perspectives on the given issue. The argument’s thesis reflects nuance and precision in thought and purpose. The argument establishes and employs an insightful context for analysis of the issue and its perspectives. The analysis examines implications, complexities and tensions, and/or underlying values and assumptions.
Development of ideas and support for claims deepen insight and broaden context. An integrated line of skillful reasoning and illustration effectively conveys the significance of the argument. Qualifications and complications enrich and bolster ideas and analysis. The response exhibits a skillful organizational strategy. The response is unified by a controlling idea or purpose, and a logical progression of ideas increases the effectiveness of the writer’s argument.
Transitions between and within paragraphs strengthen the relationships among ideas.
The use of language enhances the argument.
Word choice is skillful and precise. Sentence structures are consistently varied and clear. Stylistic and register choices, including voice and tone, are strategic and effective.
While a few minor errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics may be present, they do not impede understanding. The writer generates an argument that productively engages with multiple perspectives on the given issue. The argument’s thesis reflects precision in thought and purpose. The argument establishes and employs a thoughtful context for analysis of the issue and its perspectives.
The analysis addresses