Scoring Guideline: GRE Issue (Revised in 2011)
Score = 6OUTSTANDING

In addressing the speciﬁc task directions, a 6 response presents a cogent, well-articulated analysis of the issue and conveys
meaning skillfully.
A typical response in this category:* articulates a clear and insightful position on the issue in accordance with the assigned task
* develops the position fully with compelling reasons and/or persuasive examples* sustains a well-focused, well-organized analysis, connecting ideas logically* conveys ideas ﬂuently and precisely, using eﬀective vocabulary and sentence variety* demonstrates superior facility with the conventions of standard written English (i.e., grammar, usage, and mechanics) but may
have minor errors

Score = 5STRONGIn addressing the speciﬁc task directions, a 5 response presents a generally thoughtful, well-developed analysis of the issue andconveys meaning clearly.
A typical response in this category:* presents a clear and well-considered position on the issue in accordance with the assigned task
* develops the position with logically sound reasons and/or well-chosen examples* is focused and generally well organized, connecting ideas appropriately* conveys ideas clearly and well, using appropriate vocabulary and sentence variety* demonstrates facility with the conventions of standard written English but may have minor errors

Score = 4ADEQUATEIn addressing the speciﬁc task directions, a 4 response presents a competent analysis of the issue and conveys meaning withacceptable clarity.
A typical response in this category:* presents a clear position on the issue in accordance with the assigned task
* develops the position with relevant reasons and/or examples* is adequately focused and organized* demonstrates suﬃcient control of language to express ideas with acceptable clarity* generally demonstrates control of the conventions of standard written English but may have some errors

Score = 3

LIMITEDA 3 response demonstrates some competence in addressing the speciﬁc task directions, in analyzing the issue, and in conveying
meaning but is obviously ﬂawed.
A typical response in this category exhibits ONE OR MORE of the following characteristics:* is vague or limited in addressing the speciﬁc task directions and/or in presenting or developing a position on the issue* is weak in the use of relevant reasons or examples or relies largely on unsupported claims* is limited in focus and/or organization* has problems in language and sentence structure that result in a lack of clarity* contains occasional major errors or frequent minor errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics that can interfere with meaning

Score = 2SERIOUSLY FLAWED

A 2 response largely disregards the speciﬁc task directions and/or demonstrates serious weaknesses in analytical writing.
A typical response in this category exhibits ONE OR MORE of the following characteristics:* is unclear or seriously limited in addressing the speciﬁc task directions and/or in presenting or developing a position on theissue* provides few, if any, relevant reasons or examples in support of its claims* is poorly focused and/or poorly organized* has serious problems in language and sentence structure that frequently interfere with meaning* contains serious errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics that frequently obscure meaning

Score = 1

FUNDAMENTALLY DEFICIENT

A 1 response demonstrates fundamental deﬁciencies in analytical writing.
A typical response in this category exhibits ONE OR MORE of the following characteristics:* provides little or no evidence of understanding the issue* provides little evidence of the ability to develop an organized response (e.g. is disorganized and/or extremely brief)* has severe problems in language and sentence structure that persistently interfere with meaning* contains pervasive errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics that result in incoherence

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