The ACT Writing Test Scoring Rubric
Ideas and Analysis Development and Support Organization Language Use
Score 6:
Responses at
this scorepoint
demonstrate
effective skill
in writing an
argumentative
essay.
The writer generates an
argument that critically
engages with multiple
perspectives on the given
i
ssue. 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
o
f 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
o
r 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
s
tructures 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.
S
core 5:
Responses at
this scorepoint
demonstrate
well-developed
skill in
writing an
argumentative
essay.
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
implications, complexities
and tensions, and/or
underlying values and
assumptions.
Development of ideas and
support for claims deepen
understanding. A mostly
integrated line of purposeful
reasoning and illustration
capably conveys the
significance of the
argument. Qualifications
and complications enrich
ideas and analysis.
The response exhibits a
productive organizational
strategy. The response is
mostly unified by a
controlling idea or purpose,
and a logical sequencing of
ideas contributes to the
effectiveness of the
argument. Transitions
between and within
paragraphs consistently
clarify the relationships
among ideas.
The use of language works
in service of the argument.
Word choice is precise.
Sentence structures are
clear and varied often.
Stylistic and register
choices, including voice
and tone, are purposeful
and productive. While minor
errors in grammar, usage,
and mechanics may be
present, they do not impede
understanding.
Score 4:
Responses at
this scorepoint
demonstrate
adequate skill
in writing an
argumentative
essay.
The writer generates an
argument that engages with
multiple perspectives on the
given issue. The argument’s
thesis reflects clarity in
thought and purpose. The
argument establishes and
employs a relevant context
for analysis of the issue and
its perspectives. The
analysis recognizes
implications, complexities
and tensions, and/or
underlying values and
assumptions.
Development of ideas and
support for claims clarify
meaning and purpose.
Lines of clear reasoning
and illustration adequately
convey the significance of
the argument. Qualifications
and complications extend
ideas and analysis.
The response exhibits a
clear organizational
strategy. The overall shape
of the response reflects an
emergent controlling idea or
purpose. Ideas are logically
grouped and sequenced.
Transitions between and
within paragraphs clarify
the relationships among
ideas.
The use of language
conveys the argument with
clarity. Word choice is
adequate and sometimes
precise. Sentence
structures are clear and
demonstrate some variety.
Stylistic and register
choices, including voice
and tone, are appropriate
for the rhetorical purpose.
While errors in grammar,
usage, and mechanics are
present, they rarely impede
understanding.
Score 3:
Responses at
this scorepoint
demonstrate
some
developing skill
in writing an
argumentative
essay.
The writer generates an
argument that responds to
multiple perspectives on the
given issue. The argument’s
thesis reflects some clarity
in thought and purpose.
The argument establishes a
limited or tangential context
for analysis of the issue and
its perspectives. Analysis is
simplistic or somewhat
unclear.
Development of ideas and
support for claims are
mostly relevant but are
overly general or simplistic.
Reasoning and illustration
largely clarify the argument
but may be somewhat
repetitious or imprecise.
The response exhibits a
basic organizational
structure. The response
largely coheres, with most
ideas logically grouped.
Transitions between and
within paragraphs
sometimes clarify the
relationships among ideas.
The use of language is
basic and only somewhat
clear. Word choice is
general and occasionally
imprecise. Sentence
structures are usually clear
but show little variety.
Stylistic and register
choices, including voice
and tone, are not always
appropriate for the
rhetorical purpose.
Distracting errors in
grammar, usage, and
mechanics may be present,
but they generally do not
impede understanding.
(continued)