Grade my essay based on the rubrics:
Scoring Rubric for Question 1: Synthesis Essay 6 points
Reporting
Category Scoring Criteria
Row A
Thesis
(0-1 points)
4.B
0 points
For any of the following:
• There is no defensible thesis.
• The intended thesis only restates the prompt.
• The intended thesis provides a summary of the issue with no
apparent or coherent claim.
• There is a thesis, but it does not respond to the prompt.
1 point
Responds to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
Decision Rules and Scoring Notes
Responses that do not earn this point:
• Only restate the prompt.
• Do not take a position, or the position is vague or must
be inferred.
• Equivocate or summarize other’s arguments but not the student’s
(e.g., some people say it’s good, some people say it’s bad).
• State an obvious fact rather than making a claim that requires
a defense.
Responses that earn this point:
• Responds to the prompt rather than restate or rephrase the prompt, and the
thesis clearly takes a position rather than just stating that there are pros/cons.
Additional Notes:
• The thesis may be more than one sentence, provided the sentences are in close proximity.
• The thesis may be anywhere within the response.
• For a thesis to be defensible, the sources must include at least minimal evidence that could be used to support that thesis; however, the student need
not cite that evidence to earn the thesis point.
• The thesis may establish a line of reasoning that structures the essay, but it needn’t do so to earn the thesis point.
• A thesis that meets the criteria can be awarded the point whether or not the rest of the response successfully supports that line of reasoning.
AP English Language Scoring Rubric, Free-Response Question 1-3 | SG 2
Reporting
Category Scoring Criteria
Row B
Evidence
AND
Commentary
(0-4 points)
2.A
4.A
6.A
6.B
6.C
0 points
Simply restates thesis
(if present), repeats
provided information, or
references fewer than two
of the provided sources.
1 point
EVIDENCE:
Provides evidence from or
references at least two of the
provided sources.
AND
COMMENTARY:
Summarizes the evidence
but does not explain how
the evidence supports the
student’s argument.
2 points
EVIDENCE:
Provides evidence from or
references at least three of
the provided sources.
AND
COMMENTARY:
Explains how some of the
evidence relates to the
student’s argument, but
no line of reasoning is
established, or the line of
reasoning is faulty.
3 points
EVIDENCE:
Provides specific evidence
from at least three of
the provided sources to
support all claims in a line of
reasoning.
AND
COMMENTARY:
Explains how some of the
evidence supports a line of
reasoning.
4 points
EVIDENCE:
Provides specific
evidence from at least
three of the provided
sources to support
all claims in a line of
reasoning.
AND
COMMENTARY:
Consistently explains how
the evidence supports a
line of reasoning.
Decision Rules and Scoring Notes
Typical responses that
earn 0 points:
• Are incoherent or do not
address the prompt.
• May be just opinion with
no textual references
or references that are
irrelevant.
Typical responses that earn
1 point:
• Tend to focus on summary
or description of sources
rather than specific
details.
Typical responses that earn
2 points:
• Consist of a mix of
specific evidence and
broad generalities.
• May contain some
simplistic, inaccurate, or
repetitive explanations
that don’t strengthen the
argument.
• May make one point well
but either do not make
multiple supporting claims
or do not adequately
support more than one
claim.
• Do not explain the
connections or
progression between the
student’s claims, so a line
of reasoning is not clearly
established.
Typical responses that earn
3 points:
• Uniformly offer evidence
to support claims.
• Focus on the importance
of specific words and
details from the sources
to build an argument.
• Organize an argument
as a line of reasoning
composed of multiple
supporting claims.
• Commentary may fail to
integrate some evidence
or fail to support a key
claim.
Typical responses that
earn 4 points:
• Uniformly offer
evidence to support
claims.
• Focus on the
importance of specific
words and details from
the sources to build an
argument.
• Organize and support
an argument as a line of
reasoning composed
of multiple supporting
claims, each with
adequate evidence that
is clearly explained.
Additional Notes:
• Writing that suffers from grammatical and/or mechanical errors that interfere with communication cannot earn the fourth point in this row.
AP English Language Scoring Rubric, Free-Response Question 1-3 | SG 3
Reporting
Category Scoring Criteria
Row C
Sophistication
(0-1 points)
2.A
4.C
6.B
8.A
8.B
8.C
0 points
Does not meet the criteria for one point.
1 point
Demonstrates sophistication of thought and/or a complex understanding of the
rhetorical situation.
Decision Rules and Scoring Notes
Responses that do not earn this point:
• Attempt to contextualize their argument, but such attempts
consist predominantly of sweeping generalizations.
• Only hint at or suggest other arguments.
• Use complicated or complex sentences or language that is
ineffective because it does not enhance the student’s
argument.
Responses that earn this point may demonstrate sophistication of thought
and/or a complex understanding of the rhetorical situation by doing any of the
following:
1. Crafting a nuanced argument by consistently identifying and exploring
complexities or tensions across the sources.
2. Articulating the implications or limitations of an argument (either the
student’s argument or arguments conveyed in the sources) by situating it
within a broader context.
3. Making effective rhetorical choices that consistently strengthen the force
and impact of the student’s argument.
4. Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.
Additional Notes:
• This point should be awarded only if the sophistication of thought or complex understanding is part of the student’s argument, not merely a phrase
or reference.
		Food is undeniably crucial for our survival and well-being. Throughout history, our ancestors relied heavily on meat and other nutrient-rich foods to sustain themselves. Given this historical context, the adoption of "Meatless Monday" by institutions and schools, aimed at encouraging people to consume meat-free meals once per week, seems counterintuitive. While valid concerns exist regarding health risks, environmental issues, and energy concerns, the nutritional value of meat cannot be overlooked, especially in school cafeterias serving nutrient-deprived students from low-income areas. Thus, school cafeterias should not participate in "Meatless Monday."

	A valid concern raised against adopting "Meatless Monday" is the association between the consumption of red meat and dietary fat with heart disease (Source A). However, the adoption of Meatless Monday does not necessarily guarantee healthier choices. As nutritionist Robbie Barrie suggests, certain meatless options, like grilled cheese, can contain similar levels of saturated fat as red meat (Source D). Moreover, if reducing red meat consumption is a priority, schools could simply eliminate red meat from their menus or adopt strategies, such as tiering food options based on nutritional value, similar to the system used in U.S. military cafeterias (Go for Green DoD). Therefore, "Meatless Monday" is not a viable solution to address concerns regarding red meat consumption and dietary fat intake.

	Another valid concern is the environmental impact and energy usage associated with meat production. While livestock consumption diverts significant protein resources that could be used for human nutrition (Source B), alternative farming methods could mitigate these concerns. Implementing more sustainable animal farming practices would address environmental and energy issues while also ensuring a steady meat supply (Source E). Additionally, increased sales of meat products resulting from sustainable farming methods would benefit farmers economically (Source F). Thus, rather than imposing "Meatless Monday," schools should focus on promoting sustainable farming practices to address environmental concerns related to meat production.

	While "Meatless Monday" initiatives may seem well-intentioned, they are not the most effective solution for addressing concerns related to meat consumption in school cafeterias. Instead, schools should consider alternative strategies, such as eliminating red meat from menus or promoting sustainable farming practices, to ensure the nutritional needs of students are met without compromising their health or the environment.