Scoring Guide, Prompts & Student Essays
Scoring Process
Each WPST essay is read by two readers who keep their evaluation confidential so one reader’s score does not influence the other’s. The readers use a numerical evaluation rubric. Your score reflects the numerical sum on both readers. For example, the first reader scores an essay with a “4” and the second also with a “4.” The essay’s total score would be an “8.” The minimum passing score is “7”, which is the sum of one score of “4” and another of “3.” The maximum score is “10.”
5 Highly competent, although it may have minor faults
- Sustains an argument that acknowledges and develops the complexity of the issue.
- Displays fluent control over language.
- Uses relatively sophisticated language.
- Has a structure which is strong, with all parts integrated into the discussion of the issue.
- Develops an argument that acknowledges and develops the complexity of the issue.
Prompt #1 - see below
Student Essay Score 10.pdf
Prompt #2 - see below
Student Essay Score 10.pdf
4 Adequate rather than competent
- Acknowledges the complexity of the issue.
- Displays adequate control over language.
- Uses language appropriately.
- Has a clear structure although there may be occasional lapses in focus.
Prompt #1 - see below
Student Essay Score 8.pdf
Prompt #2 - see below
Student Essay Score 8.pdf
3 Developing Adequacy
- Often develops only one aspect of the issue, or may distort the issue.
- Contains generalizations with little support rather than developing an argument.
- Displays general control over language although there may be an accumulation of errors.
- Has a structure which may be unclear or which may limit the author's development of the issue.
Prompt #1 - see below
Student Essay Score 6.pdf
Prompt #2 - see below
Student Essay Score 6.pdf
2 Inadequate
Exhibits any one of the following characteristics:
- Attempts to address the issue, but does not provide adequate development
- Lacks control over language
- Has no apparent structure.
Prompt #2 - see below
Student Essay Score 4.pdf
Prompt #1
Background: The community surrounding California State University, Stanislaus can be described by ethnicity, by economics, and by each family’s educational background. In all of these categories, this community is very diverse.
California State University, Stanislaus works to provide a campus atmosphere that reflects this diversity. It strives to welcome all students, regardless of background. The University also strives to provide opportunities for interaction among students from all of the categories listed in the first paragraph.
Essay Prompt: Describe your idea of what a diverse campus should be. Make two recommendations that would help California State University, Stanislaus be more like your ideal campus, as far as diversity is concerned.
Assume the readers of your essay are university professors and administrators. Fully support your recommendations by using your observations, personal experiences, and general knowledge of the university system. If you are new to California State University, Stanislaus, make recommendations based on what you think the campus is like.
Prompt #2
Topic: Several years go, the United States launched a spacecraft far into outer space, carrying articles and messages about life on earth. Our scientists hoped that an intelligent life form from another planet or galaxy would find the spacecraft and be able to draw conclusions about the planet it came from. If you were in charge of selecting objects or materials for such a project, what would you include? Write an eassy in which you identify two or three items that you think would reflect life on earth and explain the reasons for your selections
Directions:
- Read the topic a couple of times and note what it requires you to do.
- Take time to plan and organize your essay before you begin to write.
- Make sure you support or illustrate general points with specific evidence and examples.
- Allow yourself enough time after writing to go back over your essay, check for development and grammatical errors, and make necessary corrections.