Score Level 1 Anchor Paper

This response shows minimal knowledge of the question. The student correctly interprets the population graph to identify a problem of metropolitan areas (metropolitan area having more people than the other regions).

Score Level 1 Anchor Paper

This response shows minimal knowledge. Some fragmented ideas are given (in the metropolitan areas there is many people; areas is where the population is the greatest and makes up most of Marylands population; more to deal with in the metropolitan areas).

Score Level 2 Anchor Paper

This response demonstrates basic knowledge of the relationship between population density and regional problems. A key idea is provided as the relationship between growth and the environment is noted (most critical problem…housing developements; Space is quickly taken away when the population still increases more and more).

Score Level 2 Anchor Paper

This response shows basic knowledge of the relationship between population density and regional problems. The student provides a few ideas (much denser population…many issues; issues such as crime, and poverty; Southern Maryland…farming regulations) with a little support (because their is such a high population; all due to fact of location).

Score Level 3 Anchor Paper

This response shows some understanding of the complicated interactions between population and environment. Concepts are accurate and supported. Some evidence of higher order thinking is demonstrated through analyzing potential outcomes of the “ever-increasing population” (since most of the metropolitan area is heavy in development, their concerns would be in getting more land…at the same time they would have to watch out on destroying wildlife; Environmental protection would have to be the most critical…).

Score Level 3 Anchor Paper

This response shows some understanding of the problems faced by local governments. Accurate and supported concepts are provided (metropolitan areas deal with problems such as transportation, inner city housing, and pollution; rural areas…farming and schools). Some evidence of higher order thinking is shown through analyzing why problems in metropolitan areas might be more critical (because the metropolitan areas are constantly expanding…these problems, if not taken care of, could result in larger problems in the future).

Score Level 4 Anchor Paper

This response shows understanding of complex problems faced by different local governments. In a comprehensive examination of the issues involved, the student provides accurate, well supported concepts that are integrated throughout the response (overpopulation…housing and public services becomes scarce; deforestation…to make room for new residences; people tend to gravitate toward metropolitan areas). Further evidence of higher order thinking is shown through looking at potential dangers that “pollution and depletion of natural resources” could cause to highly populated areas (resources would be used up more quickly, causing a severe shortage; air quality declines). Finally, the response posits that problems in one region can be “contagious” (spread to other areas, causing an epidemic of urban sprawl).

Score Level 4 Anchor Paper

This response shows understanding of the different problems facing metropolitan areas versus other regions. Concepts are accurate and well supported as the student uses solid knowledge to explain the complex relationships between population, government, and environment. Powerful evidence of higher order thinking is demonstrated through examining the potential environmental and economic outcomes of overpopulation (urban sprawl…can lead to sporadic and inefficient infrastructures…also reduces the amount of unpaved land and farmland, which is bad for the environment; increased competition against inner-city businesses; As the people move away, the{y} begin to shop at new stores near their new homes).