The WPE Scoring Guide

Each essay is read by a minimum of two readers

12 (Two scores of 6) : Exemplary Paper

Comprehension:

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the article in developing an insightful response.

Organization:

Answers all parts of the question thoroughly; demonstrates strong
essay and paragraph organization.

Development:

Strongly develops the topic through specific and appropriate detail;
logical, intelligent, and thoughtful; may be creative or imaginative.

Expression:

Exhibits proficient sentence structure and usage but may have a few minor
slips (e.g. an occasional misused or misspelled word, or comma fault); may show stylistic flair.

Comprehension:

Demonstrates a sound understanding of the article in developing a well-reasoned response.

Organization:

Displays effective paragraph and essay organization and answers all parts of
the question.

Development:

Skillfully and logically employs specific and appropriate details but may lack
the level of insight or intelligence found in an exemplary paper.

Expression:

Structures sentences effectively but may lack stylistic flair; keeps diction appropriate but may waver in tone; maintains sound grammar though may err occasionally.

8 (Two scores of 4): Acceptable Paper (competent but flawed)

Comprehension:

Demonstrates (sometimes by implication) a generally accurate understanding of the article in developing a sensible response.

Organization:

Shows adequate paragraphing and essay organization but may give
disproportionate attention to some parts of the question.

Development:

Shows adequate logical development of the topic but may not be as
fully developed as a superior essay or may respond in a way which is somewhat simplistic or repetitive.

Expression:

Shows adequate command of sentence structure, using appropriate diction
but may contain some minor problems in grammar, punctuation, or usage
(problems which might annoy a reader but will not lead to confusion or
misunderstanding).

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6 (Two scores of 3): Failing Paper (clearly inadequate in one of the following categories or marginally inadequate in more than one of the following categories)

Comprehension:

Demonstrates some understanding of the article but may misconstrue parts of it or make limited use of it in developing a weak response.

Organization:

Does not address major aspects of the topic; presents a predominantly
narrative response; is deficient in organization at the essay or paragraph
level; lacks focus or wanders from the controlling idea.

Development:

Consistently generalizes without adequate support; presents conclusions
which do not logically follow from the premises or the evidence or consistently repeats rather than explores ideas.

Expression:

Shows deficient sentence structure; uses a primer (grade school) style, or
contains errors in mechanics (including spelling) which are serious or frequent enough to affect understanding.

4 (Two scores of 2) : Seriously Flawed

Demonstrates poor understanding of the main points of the article, does not use the article appropriately in developing a response, or may not use the article at all.

Shows serious flaws in more than one important area of writing (organization,
development, or expression).

Sentence level error is so severe and pervasive that other strengths of
the paper become obscured.

Clarity may exist only on the sentence level.

2 (Two scores of 1): Ineffectual

Demonstrates little or no ability to understand the article or to use it in developing a response.

Shows virtually no ability to handle the topic.

Reveals inability to handle the basic elements of prose.