Score Level 1 Anchor Paper

Although it is clear that the writer is attempting to address the prompt, the support and elaboration are minimal and sometimes confusing (like whe you read a Book then you see a movice the movice may help us more then the Book). The response is too brief to demonstrate an organizational structure.

Score Level 1 Anchor Paper

This writer provides minimal support for the idea that technology “is improved everyday to make life easier.” The language is general and, occasionally, vague (to store things in one stop for it to be more avalible; to give you answers to complicated questions). The response is too brief to demonstrate an organizational structure.

Score Level 2 Anchor Paper

This writer provides an oversimplified essay in which an introductory statement, a conclusion, and a grouping of ideas demonstrate an attempt to use an organizational structure. Although a few specific details are provided (it would be easier if we didn’t have to press so many button for a digital recorder to work), much of the language is general (you have to learn how to use the technology; people wouldn’t have to do that much; it would get people confused). The lack of specificity and elaboration results in support that is incomplete.

Score Level 2 Anchor Paper

This oversimplified response gives some specific details about how “technology greatly improves our lives” (my father’s palm piolet keeps all of his appoints and meetings organized; without my computer, my research for school projects, would take much more time, and be much harder to do). However, the writer moves quickly from one idea to the next without pausing for elaboration. As a result, the support and development are incomplete. The use of simple transitions (For instance; while; also) demonstrates an attempt to use an organizational structure.

Score Level 3 Anchor Paper

This writer uses clear word choice and specific details (easy to call 911; running miles without ever leaving your home) to provide adequate support and elaboration for the position that new technologies “are a blessing and not a curse.” Various transitional devices create cohesion within and between paragraphs. The result is a complete essay that addresses the writing purpose.

Score Level 3 Anchor Paper

In this complete and organized essay, the writer provides adequate support for the premise that new technologies can complicate our lives. The word choice is clear, and much of the development is specific (computers can contract viruses; our iPods we pay two-hundred dollars for them and another two-hundred dollars on music to go on the iPod). However, the response moves quickly from idea to idea without pausing to fully develop any of them. The response would be strengthened by further detail and elaboration.

Score Level 4 Anchor Paper

This fluent and focused response is characterized by concise, purposeful word choice (medical mysteries; devastated; persevere) and specific details (machines that splice DNA and perform gel electrophoresis; Christmas tree lighting at Rockefellar center; the dropping of the ball on New Years Eve). Each idea is thoroughly developed with relevant and illustrative examples in support of the premise that “we would be lost… without the advanced technology we have today.” Frequent pauses for elaboration demonstrate attention to the audience’s understanding and interest, and the use of various transitional devices enhance an organizational structure that, while formulaic, is effective.

Score Level 4 Anchor Paper

This well-developed response provides ample support for the idea that our reliance on technology leads to isolation, alienation, and violations of privacy. The writer uses purposeful word choice (today’s world of high speed internet and computerized everything; innate need; face to face conversation) and the careful selection of relevant, specific details (With the advent of cell phones, iPods, the internet, and even self-serve aisles at Giant, people can go days and weeks without talking to another human face to face; Video and surveillance equipment…invade our privacy in malls, on streets, even in bathrooms). Various transitional devices and a logical progression of ideas create an effective organizational structure, and the frequent pauses for elaboration demonstrate attention to the audience’s understanding and interest.