Data Set #2 Scoring Guide

Data%20Set%20%232%20Scoring%20Guide

Data%20Set%20%232%20Scoring%20Guide

Data%20Set%20%232%20Scoring%20Guide

Data%20Set%20%232%20Scoring%20Guide

Data%20Set%20%232%20Scoring%20Guide

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Writing Prompt
Question 1
IXE01020 version 2.1
―All of us can think of a book that we hope none of our children or any other
children have taken off the shelf. But if I have the right to remove that book
from the shelf—that work I abhor—then you also have exactly the same right
and so does everyone else. And then we have no books left on the shelf for any
of us.‖ Katherine Paterson
Author
Write a persuasive essay to a newspaper reflecting your views on censorship in
libraries. Do you believe that certain materials, such as books, music, movies,
magazines, etc., should be removed from the shelves if they are found offensive?
Support your position with convincing arguments from your own experience,
observations, and/or reading.
Your writing will be scored on the following aspects:
• Ideas and content: Does your writing accomplish the assigned task?
• Organization: Does your writing contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion?
• Style: Do the language and vocabulary in your writing help to convey a clear
message and to create interest?
• Voice: Are the tone and language appropriate for your intended audience?
• Language Conventions: Have you used correct sentence structure, grammar, and
punctuation?
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Question 1, Sample A
Writing Applications – Score Point 6
Language Conventions – Score Point 4
What is freedom of speech? It is the ability to speak out your mind without fear of prosecution – but is that all
it is? Is it limited to verbal opinion? Or does every kind of speech count? Do books, music, movies, magazine,
newspaper articles, and cartoons come under “speech”? Or are they the targets of the arrow called censorship?
Author Katherine Paterson said, “if I have the right to remove that book from the shelf…then you also have
exactly the same right and so does everyone else. And then we have no books left on the shelf for any of us.”
Opinions can be expressed in several different ways. Vocally expressing one’s views cannot be repressed for
once the words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. Books can be retracted; music can be banned; movies
can be halted – but how are they any different from verbal expression? Merely because they express points of
view through art does not mean that they are not a form of “speech” on the author or musician or film maker’s
part. They are his or her way of bringing personal ideas and opinions to the public in an engaging manner,
providing entertainment and broadening horizons simultaneously.
Libraries everywhere have banned countless works under the pretext of their “offensive” nature. J.D.
Salinger’s literary masterpiece, The Catcher in the Rye, was the cause of numerous revolts across the nation –
parents did not want their children reading it in school, educators were appalled by the gross and perverted
aspects of the novel – but today, people describe it as a book that captured the mindset of the youth of America
during the 40s perfectly and a story that is “truly American.” What if, 60 years ago, censorship had engulfed the
tale of Holden Caulfield forever? What if his story had been burned and doomed to never see the light of the
day again? Would America have lost a great novel because of how it “offended” some people? Yes, they would
have.
Censorship is not “bad.” Sometimes, it is necessary. For example, sorting movies according to what age
someone can watch them without it being “inappropriate” is beneficial it helps you receive knowledge and the
truth about the world when you are truly ready to comprehend it. But banning them because of certain aspects
that may not be pleasant to some is not helping anyone. If you do not want your child to read a book you deem
“inflammatory,” make it your personal rule to keep them away from it. Libraries can make a different section of
those kind of works, require parental consent to gain acces to them, or put a warning on them, but not stifle the
creative souls of the minds behind these works.
Paterson is right. One person may have a problem with a certain book – he raises people against it – the book
is banned. Another woman may not like a song because of negative ideas – she rounds up other critics – the
song is banned. A parent may find a certain movie inappropriate and offensive – he creates petitions banning it –
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the movie is banned. You will never find them in any library anywhere. The idea here is that everyone will have
problems with something or the other, but if we start getting rid of those things we ultimately end up with
nothing at all. Control, not censor. Do not destroy others opinions based on yours. They may be attacking yours,
but by censoring them, you are doing the same thing.
Notes for Question 1, Sample A
Writing Applications
Score Point 6
The following list describes a writing sample (shown above) that earns a Score Point 6 using the
ISTEP+ Writing Applications Rubric.
This sample
- fully accomplishes the task and addresses all specific points of the prompt (i.e., write a
persuasive essay reflecting your views on censorship in libraries and support it with convincing
arguments).
- stays completely focused on the topic.
- provides in-depth information and strong supporting details that are fully developed (e.g., J.D.
Salinger’s literary masterpiece, The Catcher in the Rye, was the cause of numerous revolts
across the nation – parents did not want their children reading it in school, educators were
appalled by the gross and perverted aspects of the novel – but today, people describe it as a
book that captured the mindset of the youth of America during the 40s perfectly and a story that
is “truly American.”).
- organizes ideas logically and creates a meaningful, cohesive whole; has an engaging
introduction, well-composed middle, and a strong conclusion (e.g., The idea here is that
everyone will have problems with something or the other, but if we start getting rid of those
things we ultimately end up with nothing at all.).
- demonstrates very good word usage with excellent writing technique, varying vocabulary
throughout the essay (e.g., Libraries everywhere had banned countless works under the pretext
of their “offensive” nature.).
- is fluent and easy to read; the writer includes varied sentence patterns, including complex
sentences (e.g., They are his or her way of bringing personal ideas and opinions to the public in
an engaging manner, providing entertainment and broadening horizons simultaneously.).
- displays an appropriate register and effectively adjusts language and tone to the task.
Note: A Score Point 6 paper is an outstanding performance. It fully accomplishes the task in a thorough
and insightful manner and has a distinctive quality that sets it apart.
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Question 1, Sample B
Writing Applications – Score Point 5
Language Conventions – Score Point 4
I believe that certain materials, such as books, music, movies, magazines, etc., should not be removed from
the shelves of libraries even if they are found offensive to certain people. Libraries are not only meant for books
but all types of informative items there for everyone’s use. If certain people believe that items in libraries are
offensive, then they should simply stay away from those items. Reasons that I believe this way are, people need
books and magazines as well for research, many people enjoy coming to libraries to listen to music and read
magazines if they are not available to them elsewhere, and finally not all people find all the books, music,
movies, and magazines offensive.
To remove offensive items from libraries would make it difficult for people to get information they need. If
you were to go to a library for research on a band, and the library didn’t have any magazines that were about the
band because certain people found those magazines offensive, you would have a horribly difficult time trying to
get deacent information. Magazines, music, and books are in libraries not only for peoples entertainment but for
certain information that people want. If you were to remove anything offensive, people would know less about
the world around them and libraries would be less popular. So, in the end, it would be a ridiculous idea to
remove offensive magazines, books, and music from libraries, because most of those there are for information
about certain people or places.
Many people that I know go to the library to browse through books, listen to music, and read magazines that
they do not have access too apart from the library. Now if someone took away the things those people enjoyed,
they would have to live without and simply get to watch everyone else outside of the library enjoy that music or
book, while they only get to watch from the side. When people are browsing throughout a library and come
across something they find offensive, they should simply put down that book or magazine, or turn the music off;
no one is making them read or listen to it. With that said, because a few people think that a magazine page is
rude, or lyrics to a song are inappropriate, they should not ruin the entertainment for the people who do enjoy
listening to that music or reading those magazines.
Finally, not every single person in the world finds the same things offensive. Certain people love big tattoos,
while others think that they are grotesque and rude. Just because a few people don’t like tattoos that doesn’t
mean they should be outlawed does it? While in a library, almost everyone could find something that they think
should not be on those shelves, but the next person may love that book and think it’s one of the best they’ve
ever read. Everyone has a different opinion about everything, and if there are a few people who dislike certain
books, magazines, or a certain genre of music, there are most likely a few people who absolutely love that book,
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or magazine, and love that genre of music. So just because there are people with a negative opinion on certain
items, does not mean they should remove them from the shelves of libraries.
In the end, I believe that they should not remove offensive itmes from the shelves, because they could be
there for certain research, or for certain peoples entertainment. Personally I would be upset if they removed the
offensive books, magazines, and music from the libraries, because as a teenager that is the genre I am mostly
attracted to. I am aware though that the senior citizens of the world, do not find the same things that teenagers
like very appropriate, but that’s not a big enough reason to take those items away. So finally, you have to think
of what good it would do to take all offensive items off the shelves of libraries, because people like what they
like, and simply taking those items off the shelves would not change hardly anything except the popularity of
libraries.
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Notes for Question 1, Sample B
Writing Applications
Score Point 5
The following list describes a writing sample (shown on the previous page) that earns a Score Point 5
using the ISTEP+ Writing Applications Rubric.
This sample
- fully accomplishes the task and addresses all specific points of the prompt (i.e., write a
persuasive essay reflecting your views on censorship in libraries and support it with convincing
arguments).
- stays focused on the topic.
- includes many relevant ideas that are fully developed (e.g., If you were to remove anything
offensive, people would know less about the world around them and libraries would be less
popular.).
- is organized logically and cohesively with a clear introduction, developed body, and a
conclusion (e.g., To remove offensive items from libraries would make it difficult for people to
get information they need.).
- exhibits more than adequate word usage demonstrating good writing technique (e.g., With that
said, because a few people think that a magazine page is rude, or lyrics to a song are
inappropriate, they should not ruin the entertainment for the people who do enjoy listening to
that music or reading those magazines.).
- is easy to read; uses varied sentence patterns, including complex sentences (e.g., When people
are browsing throughout a library and come across something they find offensive, they should
simply put down that book or magazine, or turn the music off; no one is making them read or
listen to it.).
- displays an appropriate register and appropriately adjusts language and tone to the task (e.g., I
believe that certain materials, such as books, music, movies, magazines, etc., should not be
removed from the shelves of libraries even if they are found offensive to certain people.).
Note: A Score Point 5 paper represents a solid performance. It fully accomplishes the task, but lacks
the overall level of sophistication and consistency of a Score Point 6 paper.
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Question 1, Sample C
Writing Applications – Score Point 4
Language Conventions – Score Point 4
Allowing libraries to censor material is wrong. The libraries shouldn’t be allowed to tell you what you can
and can’t read. It should be up to the person to decide if the material is against their moral values, so they can
decide whether or not they want to read it. The library should allow you to read what you want.
One way censoring is bad is that you would be forced to read what the library things is right. The library
would censor stuff they wouldn’t support and make you read or watch things that they believe in. This would
not allow for diverse ideas, and would not fully inform people of both sides of the particular situation.
Censoring would cause people to be less unique in the ways they think.
Another reason is that people should be able to choose what they want to read about with out being
influenced by the library. People should have a choice on what they want to read. If they think it’s not good,
then they should be able to decide whether they want to read it or not. This makes more of a choice, and allows
for more freedom for the people.
Censoring material would be very constricting on people. They would not be able to read what they want.
Allowing censorship would also cause less diverse thinking because everyone would be using the same type of
material. Censoring would also make libraries more powerful, because they would only be spreading ideas on
what they think is right.
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Notes for Question 1, Sample C
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Question 1, Sample D
Writing Applications – Score Point 3
Language Conventions – Score Point 3
Yes, I think that certain magizines should not be put into libraries due to either bad language or unexceptable
photos of grown people.
A library is for children and teens who come to do research, hang out and study, and to use a computer. Adults
on the other hand may come just to get away from the noise but will also read the papers, check out movies, or use
the computer. I don’t think it’s right that the children and adults are able to get to check out the same movie
because they might get something that is innopropriate because they don’t really understand or a movie that was in
the wrong section and is not for them to see due to either incompitent language or sexual activity.
Personally I think that there should be a seperation between the two. Children or toddlers should have one side
and others between the ages of 15-adult should have the other side because I feel that during your teen years you
know about the same amount of things as the adults do. I’ve been in quite a few libraries that were not organized. I
also feel that if a parent needs to come to the library to use the computer but has her child or children with her;
there should be a safe enviorment in there that she can take them to and someone will watch them as she focus’s
on what has to be done
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Notes for Question 1, Sample D
Writing Applications
Score Point 3
The following list describes a writing sample (shown on the previous page) that earns a Score Point 3
using the ISTEP+ Writing Applications Rubric.
This sample
- minimally accomplishes the task (i.e., write a persuasive essay reflecting your views on
censorship in libraries and support it with convincing arguments).
- stays mostly focused on the topic.
- includes a few supporting details (e.g., . . . Children or toddlers should have one side and others
between the ages of 15-adult should have the other side because I feel that during your teen
years you know about the same amount of things as the adults do.).
- has a weak introduction, a body that lacks development, and no conclusion (e.g., Yes, I think
that certain magizines should not be put into libraries due to either bad language or
unexceptable photos of grown people.).
- attempts some sentence variety (e.g., Adults on the other hand may come just to get away from
the noise but will also read the papers, check out movies or use the computer.).
- displays appropriate register.
Note: A Score Point 3 paper represents a performance that minimally accomplishes the task. Some
elements of development, organization, and writing style are weak.
Language Conventions
Score Point 3
The following list describes a writing sample (shown on the previous page) that earns a Score Point 3
using the ISTEP+ Language Conventions Rubric.
This sample
- uses correct capitalization.
- has some incorrect punctuation (e.g., missing commas, incorrectly used semicolon, dont,
focus’s, missing period in the last sentence).
- has spelling errors (e.g., magizines, unexceptable, innopropriate, incompintent).
- has fair control of grammar and word usage.
- has adequate paragraphing.
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Question 1, Sample E
Writing Applications – Score Point 2
Language Conventions – Score Point 2
I do think that there are books that should be removed because some people take some things offensive. Some
people may think that the book may be wrong because of the religion. And some people may not like what the
book, movie, or music is teaching their child.
People that take the religion to be offensive because the book could say that religion that the person belives is
not the right way to go.
Some parents may take the book offensive because it may contain bad things. These parents may not want their
kids reading these types of books but if the library has them the kid could easily check out the book and keep it
hidden from thier parents.
Some parents may not want there kids listenig, watchin, or reading anything that may teach or tell the kid to do
things that htye shouldnt be doing.
I think that there are some books, movies, or music that is inapprpriate for smaller children but may be
apprpriate for people that are older it all depends on the book.
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Notes for Question 1, Sample E
Writing Applications
Score Point 2
The following list describes a writing sample (shown on the previous page) that earns a Score Point 2
using the ISTEP+ Writing Applications Rubric.
This sample
- minimally accomplishes the task (i.e., write a persuasive essay reflecting your views on censorship
in libraries and support it with convincing arguments).
- exhibits some focus (e.g., I do think that there are books that should be removed because some
people take some things offensive.).
- exhibits minimal organization (e.g., has an introduction, lacks transitions and a developed body,
and has no conclusion).
- provides few supporting details (e.g., Some parents may not want thier kids listenig, watchin, or
reading anything that may teach or tell the kid to do things that htye shouldnt be doing.).
- lacks development of ideas.
- exhibits minimal word usage and writing techniques (e.g., People that take the religion to be
offensive because the book could say that religion that the person belives is not the right way to go.).
Note: A Score Point 2 paper represents a performance that only partially accomplishes the task. Some
responses may exhibit difficulty maintaining a focus; others may be too brief to provide sufficient
development of the topic or evidence of adequate organizational or writing style.
Language Conventions
Score Point 2
The following list describes a writing sample (shown on the previous page) that earns a Score Point 2
using the ISTEP+ Language Conventions Rubric.
This sample
- uses correct capitalization.
- has missing punctuation (e.g., shouldnt).
- has spelling errors (e.g., thier, listenig, watchin, htye, belives, apprpriate).
- has grammar and usage errors (e.g., there, people that).
- has run-on sentences (e.g., I think that there are some books, movies, or music that is inapprpriate
for smaller children but may be apprpriate for people that were older it all depends on the book.).
- has frequent errors in a relatively brief writing sample.
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Question 1, Sample F
Writing Applications – Score Point 1
Language Conventions – Score Point 1
If some one is offensive over a book or magazine in a librarie then they should stay away from where it is. There
are people who would like to learn about it and have to learn about it they will not be able to find it if they start
taking books off the shevles just caus it is offensive to some one. that person dont have to read that book or
magazine so it should not offend them in any way.
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Notes for Question 1, Sample E
Writing Applications
Score Point 1
The following list describes a writing sample (shown on the previous page) that earns a Score Point 1
using the ISTEP+ Writing Applications Rubric.
This sample
- does not accomplish the task (i.e., write a persuasive essay reflecting your views on censorship in
libraries and support it with convincing arguments).
- has little focus.
- provides very few relevant ideas and less than minimal development (e.g., has no introduction or
conclusion).
- exhibits minimal word usage.
- demonstrates less than minimal writing technique.
Note: A Score Point 1 paper represents a performance that fails to accomplish the task. It exhibits
considerable difficulty in areas of development, organization, and writing style. The writing is
generally either very brief or rambling and repetitive, sometimes resulting in a response that may be
difficult to read or comprehend.
Language Conventions
Score Point 1
The following list describes a writing sample (shown on the previous page) that earns a Score Point 1
using the ISTEP+ Language Conventions Rubric.
This sample
- has capitalization errors (e.g., that).
- has missing punctuation (e.g., dont).
- has usage errors (e.g., If some one is offensive over a book or magazine. . .then they should stay
away from where it is.).
- has spelling errors (e.g., librarie, shelves, caus).
- has a run-on sentence (e.g., There are people who would like to learn about it and have to learn
about it they will not be able to find it if they start taking books off the shevles just caus it is
offensive to some one.).
- has numerous errors in a brief writing sample.

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