100WB Final Exam Scoring Guide
Upper Half
6—Outstanding: A “6” paper demonstrates superior competence in writing; a “6” paper:
 is effectively organized and developed
 intelligently addresses the topic using appropriate word choice
 demonstrates a strong understanding of audience and purpose
 shows an understand of document format
 is nearly error free
5—Impressive: A “5” paper demonstrates clear competence in writing, though it may have occasional
minor errors; a “5” paper:
 is clearly organized, though it may have fewer details than a “6” paper
 addresses all parts of the topic, though some better than others
 addresses the topic with correct word choice
 shows an understanding of audience and purpose
 format is not as clear as a “6” paper
4—Adequate: A “4” paper still demonstrates competence in writing; a “4” paper:
 is adequately organized
 addresses most parts of the topic, but not all
 has correct, but simple, word choice
 demonstrates a basic understanding of audience and purpose
 contains easily corrected errors that do not impair meaning
Lower Half
3—Borderline: while a “3” essay may demonstrate some developing competence, it remains flawed in
one or more of the following:
 inadequately develops or organizes ideas
 fails to support key parts of the topic with appropriate or sufficient detail
 has frequent or significant
 word choice or word form errors
 fails to show an understanding of audience and purpose
 has multiple errors in sentence structure making understanding difficult
2—Poor: A “2” essay shows limited competence in writing; it may contain serious errors in one or more
of the following:
 fails to organize or develop ideas
 fails to address key parts of the topic
 has no understanding of audience or purpose
 has frequent and serious errors in sentence structure and usage impairing understanding
1—Unacceptable: A “1” essay demonstrates a complete lack of competence in writing, reveals the
writer’s inability to comprehend the question, may be incoherent or illogical. A paper demonstrating
underdevelopment or exhibits no response should also be classified as a “1”.
May2007