Essays and Scoring

Essay testing is another form of assessment that is widely used by teachers. Educators tend to use an analytic or holistic form of scoring when grading their test takers essays. Analytic scoring assigns points to different parts of the essay question. These assigned points are added up together in order to figure out the total points for a particular essay question. Holistic scoring assigns a single point total for the entire essay question. This single point total represents the overall value of the essay.

Here is an example of an essay question that will be scored analytically:

It’s a boring day and your friends want to try out a new sport. You have just completed a school unit on Kin-Ball and would like to incorporate this game in today’s activities but realized you need to review the game. In paragraph format, include 3 forms of equipment that could be used, 4 rules of the game, where it can be played, and the purpose of the game. In addition, explain why Kin-Ball is considered a cooperative learning game.

Here’s how an educator could use the analytic scoring system to grade this essay:

•The test taker states 3 forms of equipment that could be used = 1 pt. for each form of equipment (3 total)
•The student states 4 rules of the game = 1 pt. each rule (4 total)
•The student states where the game can be played = (2 pts)
•The student states the purpose of the game = (3 pts)
•The student explains why Kin-Ball is considered a cooperative learning game = (3 pts)

-This essay would be worth 15 total points


Here is an example of an essay question that will be scored holistically:

A very close friend of yours seems mentally and emotionally drained. You suspect he/she is suffering from depression. In paragraph format, mention the symptoms, causes, side effects, and possible outcomes of depression. Include in your response a plan of action that could be used to help this individual.

Here’s how an educator could use the holistic scoring system to grade this essay:

1=Essay doesn’t mention anything about the symptoms, causes, side effects, and possible outcomes of depression. A plan of action is also not included and the essay displayed poor grammar, spelling and organization.

2=Essay included very little about the symptoms, causes, side effects, and possible outcomes of depression. A plan of action is minimally stated and the essay displayed reasonable grammar, spelling and organization.

3=Essay satisfactorily covers symptoms, causes, side effects, and possible outcomes of depression as well as a plan of action. The essay displayed sufficient grammar, spelling and organization.

4=Essay does a good job covering symptoms, causes, side effects, and possible outcomes of depression as well as a plan of action. The essay displayed good grammar, spelling and organization.

5=Essay showed proficient understanding of the symptoms, causes, side effects, and possible outcomes of depression as well as a plan of action. The essay displayed a proficient use of grammar, spelling, and organization.

-This essay would be worth 15 total points of the test