The following 10 Anchor Papers represent a range of score points and are used in conjunction with the rubrics to assess student responses.

Score for Anchor Paper #1: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response is related to the question and shows only minimal knowledge. A fragment of a basic idea is presented (makes it safer), but the idea is skeletal and incomplete.

Score for Anchor Paper #2: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response is related to the question and shows only minimal knowledge. Although fragments of basic ideas are provided (not being able to buy a drug; severe side effect), the ideas are general and incomplete.

Score for Anchor Paper #3: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of the effects of FDA testing. Basic ideas are presented (spend a lot of money on testing and then they have to market the product; don't want to take anything that has not been tested for side effects). The response is adequate for a score of "2."

Score for Anchor Paper #4: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of the effects of FDA testing. Basic ideas are presented (the drugs might be needed soon and all of that testing might slow {it} down; nobody would know the effects and consequences of the drug) and provided with a little support (fixing the problem could take a very long time).

Score for Anchor Paper #5: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of the effects of FDA testing. Basic ideas (it takes a while before it's on the market which makes the company have to wait a long time to make more money; the consumers have to wait a while to use) are provided with a little support (it will be safe and won't hurt you).

Score for Anchor Paper #6: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of the effects of FDA testing. Concepts are accurate and supported (the drug manufacturer could lose lots of money because their drug isn't put on the market; consumers may not get the medications they need). Some evidence of higher order thinking skills is demonstrated through appropriate application of analysis and cause-and-effect reasoning (if there is a problem with a drug and someone takes it and gets sick or dies, there would be a law case where the family would sue).

Score for Anchor Paper #7: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of the effects of FDA testing. Accurate concepts (the company spends a lot of money; could prevent unnecessary illnesses caused by a faulty drug; delays sales to the public) are supported. Some evidence of higher order thinking skills is provided through appropriate application of analysis and cause-and-effect reasoning (if the government fails the drug, the company is left in debt {which} could eventually cause bankruptcy; the government could approve it and they'd make money).

Score for Anchor Paper #8: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of the effects of FDA testing. Support is provided for accurate concepts (helps the consumer so they know what can happen to them when they take the drug; helps the manufacturers because if they get all the necessary warnings on the label no one can sue them for selling a harmful drug). Appropriate application of cause-and-effect reasoning (this reduces the risk of serious injury or harm), analysis and evaluation (the side effects may be worse than what you are trying to cure), and effective use of relevant example (the less people who die from taking medicine for a headache the better; the government doesn't like it when people die because of a bad flu or cold medicine) provide some evidence of higher order thinking skills.

Score for Anchor Paper #9: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response shows understanding of the effects of FDA testing. Concepts (the responsibility of the federal government to protect its citizens; manufacturers complain it's too expensive and too much work; drugs will be guaranteed free of defects or hazardous side effects) are accurate and well supported. Powerful evidence of higher order thinking skills is demonstrated through comprehensive application of analysis, evaluation, and extended cause-and-effect reasoning (dangers of corporate greed and corruption or mistakes in drug recipes; consumers will ultimately save money by reducing the frequency of long-term hospitalization and out-patient visits; the price of drugs should actually stabilize and possibly decrease because companies will spend less money on litigation).

Score for Anchor Paper #10: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response shows understanding of the effects of FDA testing. Accurate concepts (time and cost to manufacturers; consumers must wait but are protected) are well supported. The integrated application of analysis, evaluation, and cause-and-effect reasoning involved in the effective development of a relevant example (insomnia medication) demonstrate powerful evidence of higher order thinking skills.

Additional Scored Student Responses