Scoring Your Test
From the SAT Preparation Booklet™
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Correct Answers and Difficulty Levels for the Official SAT Practice Test
Critical Reading
Section 4
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
E
C
B
E
C
B
D
B
D
B
A
E
1
3
3
5
5
1
2
5
5
3
3
2
Section 6
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
A
B
A
B
E
A
E
C
D
E
C
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
3
3
2
3
3
1
3
2
3
2
3
A
A
D
C
B
C
B
A
C
B
E
A
1
3
4
3
4
5
5
5
2
2
2
4
Section 9
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
E
B
C
E
C
D
A
D
B
B
D
A
B
4
3
3
2
1
2
3
5
3
3
2
3
3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
E
B
C
C
D
A
B
D
E
C
1
2
3
3
4
5
3
2
3
4
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Number correct
Number correct
Number correct
Number incorrect
Number incorrect
Number incorrect
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
C
C
A
B
A
D
C
C
E
3
4
3
5
3
3
3
3
3
Mathematics
Multiple-Choice
Questions
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
B
C
A
D
B
D
C
E
1
1
1
2
3
4
4
4
Number correct
Section 2
Student-Produced
Response Questions
COR.
ANS.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Section 5
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
DIFF.
LEV.
89
200
75
3
12
0<x<1
1600
5/8 or .625
1/3 or .333
5/2 or 2.5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
1
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
5
Number correct
(9-18)
Number incorrect
C
E
E
C
C
D
A
B
E
A
1
1
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
3
Section 8
COR. DIFF.
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
ANS. LEV.
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
E
A
A
E
E
E
A
B
E
C
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
3
3
3
4
4
3
4
4
4
5
D
E
A
C
D
D
C
E
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
Number correct
Number correct
Number incorrect
Number incorrect
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
D
A
B
A
C
D
C
A
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
Writing
Section 3
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
D
E
E
E
B
A
B
D
C
2
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
C
C
A
D
B
B
A
C
C
5
5
1
3
1
1
3
3
3
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
E
A
E
D
D
A
B
C
D
2
5
3
3
4
1
5
5
5
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
A
E
C
E
A
E
A
C
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
C
D
D
D
C
1
1
1
1
3
Number correct
Number correct
Number incorrect
Number incorrect
NOTE: Difficulty levels are estimates of question difficulty for a reference group of college-bound seniors.
Difficulty levels range from 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest).
84
SAT Preparation Booklet
Section 10
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
A
C
B
A
D
1
2
3
3
3
COR. DIFF.
ANS. LEV.
11.
12.
13.
14.
E
B
C
D
3
3
4
5
Get a score report
and answer
explanations! Enter
your answers online at
collegeboard.com/
satpracticetest.
Scoring the Official SAT Practice Test
To have your score calculated automatically, and to access answer
explanations, go to collegeboard.com/satpracticetest and enter
your answers online. To calculate your score on paper, check your
responses against the correct answers on page 84 and then fill in the
blanks below.
Get Your Critical Reading Score
How many multiple-choice math questions did you get wrong?
Section 2: Questions 1– 8
___________
Section 5: Questions 1–20 + ___________
Section 8: Questions 1–16 + ___________
Total = ___________
× 0.25 = ___________(B)
How many critical reading questions did you get right?
Section 4: Questions 1–23
___________
Section 6: Questions 1–25 + ___________
Section 9: Questions 1–19 + ___________
A − B = ___________
Mathematics
Raw Score
Round this raw score to the nearest whole number.
Total = ___________(A)
How many critical reading questions did you get wrong?
Section 4: Questions 1–23
Use the table on page 86 to find your mathematics scaled score.
___________
Section 6: Questions 1–25 + ___________
Section 9: Questions 1–19 + ___________
Total = ___________
× 0.25 = ___________(B)
Get Your Writing Score
How many multiple-choice writing questions did you get right?
Section 3: Questions 1–35
___________
Section 10: Questions 1–14 + ___________
A − B = ___________
Critical Reading
Raw Score
Round this raw score to the nearest whole number.
Total = ___________(A)
How many multiple-choice writing questions did you get wrong?
Section 3: Questions 1–35
___________
Section 10: Questions 1–14 + ___________
Use the table on page 86 to find your critical reading scaled score.
Total = ___________
× 0.25 = ___________(B)
Get Your Mathematics Score
How many mathematics questions did you get right?
Section 2: Questions 1–18
___________
Section 5: Questions 1–20 + ___________
Section 8: Questions 1–16 + ___________
Total = ___________(A)
A − B = ___________
Writing Multiple-Choice
Raw Score
Round this raw score to the nearest whole number.
(C)
Use the table on page 86 to find your writing multiple-choice scaled
score.
Estimate your essay score using the Scoring Guide on page 36.
× 2 =
(D)
Use the table on page 87, your writing multiple-choice raw score
(C), and your essay score (D) to find your writing composite scaled
score.
Scoring the Official SAT Practice Test
85
SAT Score Conversion Table
Raw
Score
Critical
Reading
Scaled
Score
67
66
65
64
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
54
53
52
51
50
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
800
800
800
790
770
750
740
720
710
700
690
680
670
660
650
650
640
630
620
620
610
600
600
590
580
580
570
560
560
550
540
540
530
520
520
510
Math
Scaled
Score
800
790
760
740
720
710
700
690
680
670
660
650
650
640
630
620
610
610
600
590
580
570
570
Writing
Multiple-Choice
Scaled
Score*
Raw
Score
80
80
77
75
73
71
70
68
67
66
65
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
-1
-2
-3
and below
Critical
Reading
Scaled
Score
Math
Scaled
Score
Writing
Multiple-Choice
Scaled
Score*
510
500
490
490
480
470
470
460
450
450
440
440
430
420
420
410
400
400
390
380
370
370
360
350
340
330
320
310
300
280
270
250
230
210
200
560
550
540
530
520
520
510
500
490
480
470
460
450
450
440
430
420
410
400
390
380
370
360
340
330
320
310
290
280
260
250
230
210
200
200
56
55
54
53
52
51
50
49
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
31
30
28
27
25
23
21
20
20
20
This table is for use only with the test in this booklet.
* The writing multiple-choice score is reported on a 20-80 scale. Use the table on page 87 for the writing composite scaled score.
86
SAT Preparation Booklet
SAT Writing Composite Score Conversion Table
Writing MC
Raw Score
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
-1
-2
and below
12
800
800
800
780
770
750
740
730
720
710
700
690
680
670
660
650
650
640
630
620
610
610
600
590
580
580
570
560
550
550
540
530
520
510
510
500
490
480
470
470
460
450
440
430
420
410
390
380
360
340
320
310
11
800
800
790
770
750
740
730
720
710
690
680
680
670
660
650
640
630
620
620
610
600
590
590
580
570
560
550
550
540
530
520
520
510
500
490
490
480
470
460
450
440
430
430
410
400
390
380
360
350
330
310
300
10
800
800
770
750
740
720
710
700
690
680
670
660
650
640
630
620
620
610
600
590
580
580
570
560
550
550
540
530
520
520
510
500
490
480
480
470
460
450
440
440
430
420
410
400
390
380
360
350
330
310
290
280
9
800
780
760
740
720
710
700
690
670
660
650
640
640
630
620
610
600
590
580
580
570
560
550
550
540
530
520
520
510
500
490
490
480
470
460
450
450
440
430
420
410
400
390
380
370
360
350
330
320
300
280
270
8
790
760
740
720
700
690
680
670
660
640
630
630
620
610
600
590
580
570
570
560
550
540
540
530
520
510
500
500
490
480
470
470
460
450
440
440
430
420
410
400
390
380
380
360
350
340
330
310
300
280
260
250
Essay Raw Score
7
6
770
750
750
730
720
700
700
690
690
670
670
660
660
640
650
630
640
620
630
610
620
600
610
590
600
580
590
570
580
560
570
560
560
550
550
540
550
530
540
520
530
520
520
510
520
500
510
490
500
480
490
480
490
470
480
460
470
450
460
450
450
440
450
430
440
420
430
420
420
410
420
400
410
390
400
380
390
380
380
370
370
360
370
350
360
340
350
330
330
320
320
310
310
290
290
280
280
260
260
240
240
230
230
210
5
730
710
690
670
650
640
630
610
600
590
580
570
560
560
550
540
530
520
510
510
500
490
480
480
470
460
450
440
440
430
420
410
410
400
390
380
380
370
360
350
340
330
320
310
300
290
280
260
240
230
210
200
4
720
700
670
650
640
630
610
600
590
580
570
560
550
540
530
520
520
510
500
490
480
480
470
460
450
450
440
430
420
420
410
400
390
390
380
370
360
350
350
340
330
320
310
300
290
280
260
250
230
210
200
200
3
700
680
660
640
620
610
600
580
570
560
550
540
530
530
520
510
500
490
480
480
470
460
450
440
440
430
420
410
410
400
390
380
380
370
360
350
340
340
330
320
310
300
290
280
270
260
250
230
210
200
200
200
2
690
670
640
620
610
590
580
570
560
550
540
530
520
510
500
490
480
480
470
460
450
440
440
430
420
410
410
400
390
380
380
370
360
350
340
340
330
320
310
300
300
290
280
270
260
240
230
220
200
200
200
200
0
680
660
630
610
600
580
570
560
550
540
530
520
510
500
490
480
470
470
460
450
440
430
430
420
410
400
400
390
380
370
370
360
350
340
330
330
320
310
300
290
290
280
270
260
250
230
220
200
200
200
200
200
This table is for use only with the test in this booklet.
Scoring the Official SAT Practice Test
87
Scoring the Essay
Essays are scored in a manner that is fair and consistent,
using a holistic approach. In holistic scoring, a piece of writing is considered as a total work, the whole of which is
greater than the sum of its parts. Essays are scored by experienced high school teachers and college faculty members.
The majority of essay readers teach English, composition, or
language arts courses. Each essay is scored independently by
two readers on a scale of 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest
score. The combined score for both readers will range from
2 to 12. If the two readers’ scores are more than one point
apart, a third reader resolves the discrepancy.
In scoring the essays, readers follow the scoring guide below.
The scoring guide describes the features typically found in
essays at each score point, including critical thinking, development, organization, language use, and sentence structure.
A student can get a top score on the essay even with minor
errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.
The SAT essay neither rewards nor penalizes formulaic
approaches to writing, such as the five-paragraph essay.
There is no formula for effective writing, no single best way
to communicate an idea. Any essay that features clear lines
of reasoning, appropriate choices of evidence, ample development of ideas, effective organization, and precise use of
language will receive a high score, regardless of style or
approach. Readers are trained to recognize and reward a
wide variety of essays at each score point.
SCORING GUIDE
SCORE OF 6
SCORE OF 5
SCORE OF 4
An essay in this category demonstrates clear
and consistent mastery, although it may have a
few minor errors. A typical essay
An essay in this category demonstrates reasonably consistent mastery, although it will have
occasional errors or lapses in quality. A typical
essay
An essay in this category demonstrates adequate mastery, although it will have lapses in
quality. A typical essay
• effectively and insightfully develops a point
of view on the issue and demonstrates
outstanding critical thinking, using clearly
appropriate examples, reasons, and other
evidence to support its position
• effectively develops a point of view on the
issue and demonstrates strong critical thinking, generally using appropriate examples,
reasons, and other evidence to support its
position
• develops a point of view on the issue and
demonstrates competent critical thinking,
using adequate examples, reasons, and other
evidence to support its position
• is well organized and clearly focused,
demonstrating clear coherence and smooth
progression of ideas
• is well organized and focused, demonstrating
coherence and progression of ideas
• is generally organized and focused, demonstrating some coherence and progression of
ideas
• exhibits skillful use of language, using a
varied, accurate, and apt vocabulary
• exhibits facility in the use of language, using
appropriate vocabulary
• exhibits adequate but inconsistent facility in
the use of language, using generally appropriate vocabulary
• demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence
structure
• demonstrates variety in sentence structure
• demonstrates some variety in sentence
structure
• is free of most errors in grammar, usage, and
mechanics
• is generally free of most errors in grammar,
usage, and mechanics
• has some errors in grammar, usage, and
mechanics
SCORE OF 3
SCORE OF 2
SCORE OF 1
An essay in this category demonstrates
developing mastery, and is marked by ONE OR
MORE of the following weaknesses:
An essay in this category demonstrates little
mastery, and is flawed by ONE OR MORE of the
following weaknesses:
An essay in this category demonstrates very
little or no mastery, and is severely flawed by
ONE OR MORE of the following weaknesses:
• develops a point of view on the issue,
demonstrating some critical thinking, but
may do so inconsistently or use inadequate
examples, reasons, or other evidence to
support its position
• develops a point of view on the issue that is
vague or seriously limited, and demonstrates
weak critical thinking, providing inappropriate
or insufficient examples, reasons, or other
evidence to support its position
• develops no viable point of view on the issue,
or provides little or no evidence to support its
position
• is limited in its organization or focus, or may
demonstrate some lapses in coherence or
progression of ideas
• is poorly organized and/or focused, or
demonstrates serious problems with
coherence or progression of ideas
• is disorganized or unfocused, resulting in a
disjointed or incoherent essay
• displays developing facility in the use of language, but sometimes uses weak vocabulary
or inappropriate word choice
• displays very little facility in the use of
language, using very limited vocabulary or
incorrect word choice
• displays fundamental errors in vocabulary
• lacks variety or demonstrates problems in
sentence structure
• demonstrates frequent problems in sentence
structure
• demonstrates severe flaws in sentence
structure
• contains an accumulation of errors in
grammar, usage, and mechanics
• contains errors in grammar, usage, and
mechanics so serious that meaning is
somewhat obscured
• contains pervasive errors in grammar, usage,
or mechanics that persistently interfere with
meaning
Essays not written on the essay assignment will receive a score of zero.
36
SAT Preparation Booklet
Sample Essays for the SAT Practice Test
Essay #1: This essay received a score of 6
While I do not dispute that creativity is always necessary, I do not believe that it is needed anymore in today’s world
than it ever has been. Today’s world certainly faces its share of problems. Most major world powers face the everpresent threat of terrorism, the American economy is struggling to fight out of a recession, and Russia is locked in
an often bloody war with Chechnyan rebels. These problems, as well as others of pressing importance in today’s
world (i.e. the rebuilding of Iraq and containment of nuclear arms proliferation) must be solved creatively. However,
creativity has always been needed to solve mankind’s problems. The first human beings had to be creative when
fashioning the crude weapons that they used to hunt. Farmers in Mesopotamia had to be creative when developing
irrigation systems. During the Great Depression, Secretary of State Cordell Hull used creativity to craft reciprocal
trade agreements, which helped improve the world economy. Human creativity has always been essential to our
world, and that is no different today.
In fact, I disagree with Mr. Csikszentmihaly’s assessment that human creativity is on the decline. Slightly more than
35 years ago, we put a man on the moon. Shortly thereafter the first personal computer was put on the market; in
fact, the computer industry is an excellent example of human creativity at work. I expect, however, that Mr.
Csikszentmihaly would dismiss that example as an “immediate practical application.” However, the State of
California and many private entities are exploring stem cells and their potential to cure disease. The federal
government has explored a “Star Wars” missile defense shield. Neither of these endeavors presents any immediate
benefits. In the arts, recent painters include Pablo Picasso and Rufino Tamayo, two masters. The Beatles
revolutionized music, and Luciano Pavarotti is arguably one of the best singers ever.
Given mankind’s recent creative accomplishment, I do not believe that creativity is on the decline, and given the
abundant examples of mankind’s need for creativity in the past, I do not believe that it is any more necessary today
than it was 50, 100, or 1000 years ago.
Why Essay #1 Received a Score of 6
This essay demonstrates clear and consistent mastery in insightfully and effectively disputing the prompt's claims
about creativity ("Given mankind's recent creative accomplishments, I do not believe that creativity is on the decline,
and given the abundant examples of mankind's need for creativity in the past, I do not believe that it is any more
necessary today than it was 50, 100, or 1000 years ago"). The essay shows outstanding critical thinking in its wellorganized and focused presentation of clearly appropriate evidence ("However, creativity has always been needed to
solve mankind's problems. The first human beings had to be creative when fashioning the crude weapons that they
used to hunt. Farmers in Mesopotamia had to be creative when developing irrigation systems"). The essay also
exhibits skillful use of language and demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure ("These problems, as
well as others of pressing importance in today's world (i.e. the rebuilding of Iraq and containment of nuclear arms
proliferation) must be solved creatively…During the Great Depression, Cordell Hull used creativity to craft reciprocal
trade agreements"). This outstanding essay earns a score of 6.
Essay #2: This essay received a score of 6
In a world where economic prosperity and “getting ahead” in work and technology are highly valued, creativity and
the arts are often shunted in favor of more “practical” pursuits. Students abandon dreams of acting or painting in
order to major in medicine, computer technology, or engineering: highly profitable and scientific fields. Even with the
advances in these fields, however, there is still a need for creativity in our world, because seeing things in a new
way can make all the difference.
Today, more and more public schools are forced to abandon their arts programs to make time for subjects like
science and math: subjects in which all students must have a basic knowledge in order to succeed in higher
education. However, by leaving these programs behind, children are deprived of the creative stimulation that the
arts provide, and are taught to view the world in “black and white” terms: one right answer to every problem. With
a view such as this, how will children perform in the future? It may be assumed that all people will see things the
same way, and propose only one solution to a problem, failing to see the bigger picture.
Creativity has obviously influenced earlier generations in a positive way, so there is no need to eliminate creativity
from our world. What would have happened if Franklin Roosevelt had never proposed his New Deal? The Great
Depression might have persisted for some time, robbing even more families of their chance at prosperity and
happiness. However, by proposing a new, creative solution for the problem of the U.S.’s depression, FDR pulled the
nation out of its slump. Another example of how creativity has positively influenced the world happened just
recently, with the introduction of hybrid cars. These new cars do not rely on as much oil as other cars do in order to
operate, using alternative energy sources instead. Without the creative minds behind the invention of these cars,
the world would rely so much on its limited oil reserves that fuel would eventually run out. Because of creativity, the
world has a chance to find other energy sources.
Though these practical applications for creativity are conducive to everyone, the common man benefits even more from
the stimulation that the arts provide. In a world dominated by political powers and torn apart by war, entertainers in the
arts can inspire hope and change in everyone. A child watching a Charlie Chaplin film might decide to join the
gymnastics team, or a woman observing a Monet painting in a museum might become an elementary school art
teacher: who knows? The arts can transport people to other places, into different ways of thinking.
The importance of creativity in the world today is enormous, for it has both pragmatic and “important” applications.
Creativity is both a source for inspiration and a problem-solving method, and without it, our world would greatly suffer.
Why Essay #2 Received a Score of 6
This essay effectively and insightfully develops the point of view that creativity "is both a source for inspiration and a
problem-solving method, and without it, our world would greatly suffer." The writer uses outstanding critical thinking
and clearly appropriate evidence to show that creativity's benefits are both practical (the New Deal, hybrid cars) and
intangible (students inspired by the arts). Well organized and focused, the essay shows clear coherence and smooth
progression of ideas ("Without the creative minds behind the invention of these cars, the world would rely so much
on its limited oil reserves that fuel would eventually run out. Because of creativity, the world has a chance to find
other energy sources. Though these practical applications for creativity are conducive to everyone, the common man
benefits even more from the stimulation that the arts provide"). It also consistently displays skillful use of language
and meaningful variety in sentence structure ("However, by leaving these programs behind, children are deprived of
the creative stimulation that the arts provide, and are taught to view the world in "black and white" terms: one right
answer to every problem. With a view such as this, how will children perform in the future?"). This outstanding
essay receives the highest score of 6.
Essay #3: This essay received a score of 5
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is very correct in his observation that the people of the world today are interested more in
practicality than creativity. The arts are slowly dwindling in popularity, and have been for quite some time, more
rapidly after the invention of the computer and its ability to mimic the creativity in the arts. Creativity is needed more
than ever in the world today.
Back in the 1930’s and 40’s, Jazz was the most popular music in America, if not the world. During that time, even
though it was plagued by depression and war, the American people were in good moods when it came to music.
Back then, Jazz was a dance music, and the creativity of the improvisation done by the individual musician was
astounding, and the Jazz vocabulary grew by leaps and bounds every year. However, now this innovative, catchy
music has been replaced by Rap music, which is simply a man or woman chanting violent, profane,
incomprehensible words to a computerized drum-and-bass loop. The creativity in this music is non-existent, and look
what it has done to our youth. Rap is not a fun type of music. It is a serious type of music, due to its lack of
creativity, and because of this, the kids are resorting to violence and drugs to cope with their want for innovation.
Another example of the world’s need for creativity is the lack of creative options at high schools. Schools today
teach basically from the books – there is a paucity of first-hand experiences. Because of this, the creativity that the
students may have possessed essentially has no outlet, and it slowly disappears over time. The result is that the
students are only wanting to become businessmen, lawyers, or doctors. There is no creativity involved in those jobs
– one just has to be as close-minded as possible and exceptionally focused. The population of professional artists
and musicians in the United States is diminishing rapidly, simply because the spark of creativity that young people
have can never find an outlet, so to speak. If we continue at this rate, we will have computers performing all of the
concerts with midi synthesizers, like they do on Broadway, and software creating works of art. The people will be
like robots without any emotion or passion, simply focusing on what they need to do to get to the next day.
Personally, I am a musician, so naturally I have a biased opinion on this subject. However, this severe lack of focus
on creativity in schools, and especially in the music industry, is unsettling, and from seeing how people are without
the arts in their lives, living emotionless, passionless lives, I know that creativity is needed more than ever.
Why Essay #3 Received a Score of 5
This essay demonstrates reasonably consistent mastery in effectively developing the point of view that the "severe
lack of creativity in schools, and especially in the music industry, is unsettling, and…creativity is needed more than
ever." The essay displays strong critical thinking and effective organization, using the appropriate examples of
changes in musical taste (from jazz to rap) and "the lack of creative options at high schools" to argue that the stifling
of creativity negatively affects people's lives. The essay also demonstrates coherence and progression of ideas, as
well as facility in the use of language and variety in sentence structure ("Schools today teach basically from the
books--there is a paucity of first-hand experiences. Because of this, the creativity that the students may have
possessed essentially has no outlet, and it slowly disappears over time. The result is that students are only wanting
to become businessmen, lawyers, or doctors"). To earn a score of 6, the essay needs to provide additional focused
evidence to support the claim that there is a link between a lack of creative options and people "resorting to violence
and drugs," or behaving "like robots." This essay is effective and achieves a score of 5.
Essay #4: This essay received a score of 5
It is registration day right before the start of senior year and you have just received your class schedule: eight periods of
grueling, AP-level classes. You scrutinize the paper and see something surprising. There, between the BC Calculus and
the European history, is a rare species: a pottery class. “It simply cannot be,” you say to yourself in a tone of awe. You
had thought that such an elusive creature would never again dwell in the same habitat as your advanced class, not after
you were through and over with your freshman and sophomore years. You tuck your schedule into a folder and make a
mental note to drop the class as soon as you can.
The attitude of most honors students towards art classes is similar to that of a person faced with an inoculation. If
they weren’t needed, most students wouldn’t take art classes. The sheer thought of forsaking a valuable time slot
for just playing with paints is simply shocking. Most students would prefer to take a course that they would need in
the future such as physics or chemistry. Yet in today’s world we need classes that give us the chance to freely
explore the realms of creativity; to create. In a world where we are rammed into the mold of a useful citizen with our
knowledge of facts and information, don’t we need the ability to use this knowledge to create something useful.
What good would the knowledge of chemistry be to a person who doesn’t have the capability to use it to form
something new. Our world demands creativity! Our world demands the ability to create! Our world demands that
you take that art class!
Why Essay #4 Received a Score of 5
In effectively developing a point of view about creativity by portraying the "attitude of most honors students towards
art classes," this essay displays strong critical thinking ("Most students would prefer to take a course that they would
need in the future such as physics or chemistry. Yet in today's world we need classes that give us the chance to
freely explore the realms of creativity; to create"). Well organized and focused, the essay demonstrates coherence
and progression of ideas ("It is registration day right before the start of senior year and you have just received your
class schedule: eight periods of grueling, AP-level classes. You scrutinize the paper and see something surprising.
There, between the BC Calculus and the European history, is a rare species: a pottery class"). The essay also features
facility in the use of language and variety in sentence structure ("Our world demands that you take that art class!"). In
order to achieve a higher score, the essay needs to further develop the central point that knowledge is useless
without "the capacity to use it to form something new." This effective essay earns a score of 5.
Essay #5: This essay received a score of 4
Creativity is needed more than ever in the world today. It is essential for human beings to be creative and develop
ideas and tools that better aid the world. It can also serve as a motivational tool.
Born and raised in the Silicon Valley of California, I have had experiences and knowledge of how high-tech
companies function. One will not believe how many interesting chips and gadgets these companies manufacture!
However, it is the creativity and innovations of employees that bring us computers, TiVo, cable television, CAT scan
equipment and many other electronic devices that entertain and help us in everyday life. Everyday essentials and
life-saving devices would not have existed if creative minds were not put to work. Creativity can also be
implemented in early stages of childhood.
Creativity is the element that relieves us from the banal experiences of everyday life. When I was in the first grade, I
was a boring little adolescent. Everyday I would come home and flip on the television. However, one day I decided
to invite my friend over to play. We took my stuffed animals and began making a drama out of it. It was his idea to
set the scenario of an elementary school setting with a bully (my gorilla) picking on little kids (a stuffed seal, a fox,
some Beanie Babies, and a turtle). It was quite funny and entertaining. I had a lot of roles to do, too. If it weren’t for
that day, I would still probably be coming home to the television. However, now I am actively in a drama group, and I
enjoy making short films, some spontaneously on the spot. I owe it to my friend who stimulated and helped me
discover my creativity. Someday I hope to be the next Steven Spielberg or Quentin Tarantino.
Creativity is indeed beneficial and essential to the world. It helps people make life-saving devices and helps serve as
motivation for others. It makes me wonder how lackluster the world would be if it wasn’t for creativity.
Why Essay #5 Received a Score of 4
This essay demonstrates competent critical thinking and displays some coherence and progression of ideas by
specifying two distinct ways in which creativity is important: "It helps people make life-saving devices and helps
serve as motivation for others." The essay uses adequate examples to develop its point of view, explaining that "it is
the creativity and innovations of employees that bring us computers, TiVo, cable television, CAT scan equipment and
many other electronic devices that entertain and help us in everyday life," and showing how creative activities in
childhood led the writer to become an aspiring filmmaker. The essay exhibits adequate but inconsistent facility in the
use of language, and demonstrates some variety in sentence structure ("It was his idea to set the scenario of an
elementary school setting with a bully (my gorilla) picking on little kids (a stuffed seal, a fox, some Beanie Babies,
and a turtle). It was quite funny and entertaining. I had a lot of roles to do, too"). To achieve a higher score, the essay
needs to use stronger critical thinking to further develop and connect the two examples. This competent essay
earns a score of 4.
Essay #6: This essay received a score of 4
In elementary school students are asked to draw, craft and write creatively. As they grow older they are encouraged
to step farther and farther away from this idea. The closer they get to adulthood the more direct and factual their
work should be. In today’s world the use of creativity is discouraged due to the development of technology and the
expectations of the school system.
Since the early 1900’s when such inventions as the lightbulb and steam engine were introduced people have been
directed away from thinking for themselves. The common man need not think of a solution to his problem if a
machine can do it for him. By creating more technology the world is limiting itself and dispensing of any need for
creativity.
In the school system too it is easy to find that students can do well without using the artistic sides of their brains.
Throughout high school children are asked to evaluate challenging algebra equations and memorize our nation’s
history. These tasks ask not for creativity, but merely knowledge of what has been put before them. Even the SAT
has, until this year, ranked students based on their ability to answer questions, not on their artistic talents.
People are taught more and more that there is a right way to do everything. In this type of society it is not necessary
to challenge oneself creativly but to do as one is told. This clearly shows that creativity is no longer needed to
survive on our world.
Why Essay #6 Received a Score of 4
This essay adequately develops the point of view that "In this type of society it is not necessary to challenge oneself
creativly," and uses competent critical thinking to show how technology and schools contribute to this problem. The
essay is generally organized and focused, demonstrating some coherence and progression of ideas as it explains
that creativity is no longer encouraged ("The common man need not think of a solution to his problem if a machine
can do it for him…students can do well without using the artistic sides of their brains…People are taught more and
more that there is a right way to do everything"). The essay exhibits adequate facility in the use of language ("Even
the SAT has, until this year, ranked students based on their ability to answer questions, not on their artistic talents").
To achieve a higher score, the essay needs to demonstrate stronger critical thinking in addressing the issue and
developing a point of view. For example, the essay should further explore the ideas in the following statement: "By
creating more technology the world is limiting itself and dispensing of any need for creativity." This competent essay
receives a score of 4.
Essay #7: This essay received a score of 3
Creativity is needed more than ever in the world today. The world now has many contraversial topics and issues.
Many people feel that they can express their opinions to these such topics through writing, when in some cases, art
may be a better choice. Creativity can add diversity to the world and it can show all angles to many issues, which is
greatly needed in the world today.
Adding diversity to the world helps to show the world everyones true character. Everyone has a unique personality
and what better way to show ones personality than through creativity? Extensive scientific research has shown that
we, humans, learn form mistakes. If someone speaks up with an idea no one has thought of before, people will
most likely shoot it down. After many times of missing great ideas because of their difference we will come to relize
our mistake. Thus, adding diversity.
Through creativity people can make works of art. Through art people can show all angles of a situation. Seeing
problems or issues from both viewpoints can help people better understand the right decison to a problem or issue.
This would help the world with their problems everyday.
Therefore, creativity is needed more than ever in the world today. Creativity adds diversity to our world and also
shows many angles to problems. This would help our world today more than ever. Creativity can be used to make
art creations. Art is like one massive problem containing many in-depth problems when looked at closely. Today, life
is like this too.
Why Essay #7 Received a Score of 3
This essay shows some critical thinking in developing the point of view that "Creativity adds diversity to our world
and also shows many angles to problems." But the essay's examples and reasons are general and unclear, resulting
in inadequate support for the position ("After many times of missing great ideas because of their difference we will
come to realize our mistake. Thus, adding diversity…Creativity can be used to make art creations. Art is like one
massive problem containing many in-depth problems when looked at closely"). The essay displays developing facility
in the use of language, with some inappropriate word choice ("Many people feel that they can express their opinions
to these such topics through writing, when in some cases, art may be a better choice"). To achieve a higher score,
this essay needs to use more specific examples and to explain the connections between diversity, art, problemsolving, and creativity more clearly. This essay shows developing mastery and receives a score of 3.
Essay #8: This essay received a score of 2
I think creativity is needed more than ever in the world today because we have a number of growing. If everyone
just came together and came up with creative ideas to solve all our problems, then this world would be a better
place. One creative idea we need to come up with is a cure for Aids. More then half a million Americans are infected
with this deadly virus and if we came up with a cure, that would help the rest from getting infected.
Another creative idea we need is to come up with a cure for all diseases. This will help Americans not to suffer from
all the horrible diseases. This will help us all if we get creative. With our creativity we might be able to make this
world a better place for the future and for all of us.
Why Essay #8 Received a Score of 2
This seriously limited essay attempts to develop a point of view on the issue ("With our creativity we might be able
to make the world a better place for the future and for all of us"), but provides insufficient examples to support the
position. Evidence is limited to a brief, vague discussion of our need to find a cure for diseases, particularly AIDS.
The essay demonstrates problems with progression of ideas ("…if we come up with a cure, that would help the rest
from getting infected. Another creative idea we need is to come up with a cure for all diseases"). The essay also
displays very little facility with language, including errors so serious that meaning is somewhat obscured ("I think
creativity is needed more than ever in the world today because we have a number of growing"). To achieve a higher
score, this essay needs to improve in several key areas, including critical thinking, development, selection of
examples, and use of language. This essay demonstrates little mastery and is scored a 2.
Essay #9: This essay received a score of 1
Have you ever felt like a number stuck in a jar with billions of other numbers waiting to be picked and being the
lucky number? Thier are almost three new number being created each second. The humans are controlers of this
world. The only thing that can wipe out humans are us the human rase.
It seems like we are killing are self very slowly. One of the biggest problems that our world has is over population. We
are simply running out of room. When there is no more room on earth where are we going to go. Have you ever gone to
L.A. and sat in traffic around five o clock. Can you just imagine what will happen when everywhere looks like that?
The Human Rase hears of at least 4 new diseases a year. Are we just going to let them take over us and concord
the world? There are many more people being brought to this world then dieing. Don’t you think we should be
taking care of the new ones here? The human rase and become extencted just as easy as any other animal. My
feeling go both ways here what are we going to do. Stop our creativity for a moment or take care of the ones here
to day?
Why Essay #9 Received a Score of 1
This fundamentally lacking essay develops no viable point of view on the issue of creativity, offering only a few
confused ideas about overpopulation and disease. The essay is on topic and is clearly a response to the prompt, but
the point of view and evidence are so disorganized and unfocused ("My feeling go both ways here what are we
going to do. Stop our creativity for a moment or take care of the ones here to day?") that the result is an incoherent
essay. The essay also demonstrates fundamental errors in vocabulary ("It seems like we are killing are self very
slowly"). To achieve a higher score, the essay needs to develop a coherent point of view on the issue, support it
with appropriate reasons and examples, and reduce the number of language errors. This essay demonstrates almost
no mastery and receives a score of 1.