The following 9 Sample Student Responses represent a range of score points.

Score for Sample Student Response #1: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response shows minimal knowledge. While fragments of basic ideas are given (so they aren't driving drunk; no point in being out on the road), these ideas are skeletal and incomplete. (Compare to this Level 1 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #2: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of teen driver restrictions. Accurate and supported concepts are supplied (young drivers cause most accidents; isn't much good a teen could be up to; one thing to be driving to or from a job/school/ athletic contest; another to be joy riding after a party). Some evidence of higher order thinking skills is shown through the appropriate application of cause-and-effect reasoning (between 12 am – 5 am {when it is darkest and more deer are out} is when a lot of accidents could happen; if the inexperienced drivers are off the road, less accidents will occur) and analysis and evaluation (gov't was smart and gave teens fair hours; late enough to have fun, but early enough to prevent accidents).

Score for Sample Student Response #3: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of teen driver restrictions. Basic ideas are presented (not as experienced as adults; alot of teenagers drink and drive; will save alot more lifes; will make the roads a whole lot safer)

Score for Sample Student Response #4: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of teen driver restrictions. Basic ideas (restrictions on younger drivers because they haven't been driving that long; would be difficult for them to see in the dark and they might crash; drivers over the age of 18 and older drivers be just as likely to crash in the dark as younger drivers would) are given a little support (they are unfairly discriminating against younger drivers). (Compare to this Level 2 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #5: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of teen driver restrictions. The student gives basic ideas (younger drivers are less responsible; in more car accidents than drivers of other ages; trying to keep drivers safe from injury; these restrictions…aren't very realistic; going to be hard to enforce) and provides a little support (midnight seems a little too early; should be changed to 2:00 a.m.). (Compare to this Level 2 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #6: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response is related to the question and shows only minimal knowledge. Although fragments of basic ideas are presented (to guarantee the safety of everyone; looking out for the safety of the public; the parents responsibility), these ideas are skeletal and incomplete.

Score for Sample Student Response #7: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of teen driver restrictions. Concepts are accurate and supported (younger drivers are more inexperienced; more dangerous driving at night; no good reason for a kid to be out that late). Some evidence of higher order thinking skills is demonstrated through appropriate application of cause-and-effect reasoning (if a young driver is out that late at night, then there is a good chance he or she has been at a party that has alcohol; so this restriction also reduces drunk driving) and abstract governmental principle (Maryland is acting in its citizens' best interests; help keep everybody safe as possible).

Score for Sample Student Response #8: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response shows understanding of teen driver restrictions. Accurate concepts are well supported (most teenagers still do not have the same level of good reasoning and judgement as…adults; statistics have shown that the majority of car crashes are caused by teenaged drivers; from midnight to 5 a.m. it is very dark, with poor visibility). Powerful evidence of higher order thinking skills is demonstrated through extensive application of analysis, evaluation, and cause-and-effect reasoning (teenagers are more susceptible to peer pressure and, therefore, more likely to be under the influence of drugs while driving; this causes inaccuracy of judgment and may lead to accidents; especially if the weather is foggy, raining, or if the roads are icy; such factors form a risk; slam on the brakes at the wrong time and send their car into a spin; the government is trying to prevent young drivers from being injured or killed). (Compare to this Level 4 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #9: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response demonstrates knowledge of teen driver restrictions. A key idea (younger drivers are less experienced; get in more accidents; prone to street-racing and drinking alcohol) is provided with a little support (want to experience more at a young age; not old enough to know exactly what you are doing).

Anchor Papers used in scoring