Score Level 1 Anchor Paper

This writer has seen the prompt and is attempting to respond. However, much of the response consists of words and phrases from the prompt, and the language used by the writer is vague (puting all you have in that painting; giving everything that you put in that painting to someone else). Support and elaboration are minimal.

Score Level 1 Anchor Paper

By providing a few reasons for disagreeing with Jewell's statement (somebody…appreciates your work; buy it; you make money), the writer shows evidence of an attempt to respond. The response, however, moves quickly from one idea to the next with no support or elaboration.

Score Level 2 Anchor Paper

The writer of this brief, oversimplified response provides some development for the idea that a painting can express a variety of thoughts and feelings. Because much of the language is general (outer most thoughts and feelings; what is on a person's mind; it is what we think as people), the support and elaboration are incomplete. Brief introductory and concluding statements, in conjunction with simple transitional devices, demonstrate an attempt to use an organizational structure.

Score Level 2 Anchor Paper

Despite an attempt to organize this response through the use of a formulaic, five-paragraph structure, the writer only provides an oversimplified response. General language (make somebody's day; getting some joy; making yourself feel good) and lack of elaboration (i.e. Why isn't it 'all about the money?' How does painting 'make you happy?') result in incomplete support and elaboration.

Score Level 2 Anchor Paper

In this oversimplified response, the writer's premise - that a painting is a form of self-expression for both the painter and the viewer - is developed using primarily general language (look closely to see what the painting is really showing; see whatever you want to see; can be peaceful and at can be fearful). More specific details and elaboration would strengthen the response.

Score Level 3 Anchor Paper

This writer uses a mixture of general language (how the painting makes an artist feel; showing a special talent) and specific detail (how an artist feels when an artist doesn't know how to describe it in words; will my teacher choose the painting to go to an art show) to provide adequate support and elaboration in this organized response. This essay contains word choices that are both clear and specific (expressed; passion; more than a million words).

Score Level 3 Anchor Paper

Using adequate support and elaboration, this complete and organized response discusses the writer's premise that enjoying one's work is more important than profit. The word choice is clear, and the response contains a mixture of general language and specific details. While the illustration of "a very proud Amish man" lovingly creating a piece of furniture is specific and effective, the response needs more support and elaboration to receive a higher score.

Score Level 3 Anchor Paper

This writer presents a complete and organized essay in support of the idea that accomplishment is more valuable than recognition. While the response is adequately developed and gives some specific details (an original musical composition; first entered my computer class; raised my grade to an A), the writer needs to pause and provide more specific elaboration for the given concepts. In addition, the heavy reliance on the five paragraph structure results in an abundance of formulaic language (the first reason I agree with this quote is because; furthermore, another reason that I can think of that I felt was more important for myself to be satisfied with the work I have done was; the last reason I agree with Edward Alden Jewell's quote "To paint a picture…"). More specific support and purposeful word choice is needed for a higher score.

Score Level 4 Anchor Paper

This writer has created a tightly focused and well-developed essay about the value of artistic expression. Purposeful word choice (convey; generic; taboo) and specific details (a still life or an abstract picture) combine to provide complete support and elaboration. The choice of Picasso as an illustration of someone who valued art over profit is particularly effective, as is the paragraph explaining the insightful observation that "we would lose our freedom…to see other opinions."

Score Level 4 Anchor Paper

The writer of this organized, well-developed response makes effective use of personal experience, such as the discovery and support of a little-known painter and the description of a woman moved to tears by a painting. The use of relevant and specific details contributes to a thorough exploration of the writer's premise that the value of art is greatest when it is sold.

Score Level 4 Anchor Paper

In this insightful and thoroughly developed response, the writer provides complete support and elaboration through purposeful word choice (intrinsically; inspiration; internal conflict) and thoughtful, relevant, specific details (the Navajo Native Americans created beautiful, intricate sand drawings to show their appreciation for their environment and the gods). The response is balanced between the writer's two main ideas: the origins of art as a means of self-expression and as the motivation for creative endeavors. (Louis Armstrong wrote the song, "What a Wonderful World," to express his ideas about how he views the world and other people.)