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Scoring Your Test

From the SAT Preparation Booklet

The materials in these files are intended for individual use by studentsgetting ready to take an SAT Program test; permission for any other use

must be sought from the SAT Program. Schools (state-approved and/or

accredited diploma-granting secondary schools) may reproduce them, in

whole or in part, in limited quantities, for face-to-face guidance/teaching

purposes but may not mass distribute the materials, electronically or

otherwise. These materials and any copies of them may not be sold, and

the copyright notices must be retained as they appear here. This

permission does not apply to any third-party copyrights contained herein.

The College Board: Connecting Students to College SuccessThe College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to

college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 4,700

schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Boardserves over three and a half million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges

through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid,enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT, the

PSAT/NMSQT, and the Advanced Placement Program (AP). The College Board is committed tothe principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs,

services, activities, and concerns. For further information, visit www.collegeboard.com.

2005 The College Board. All rights reserved. College Board, Advanced Placement Program, AP, SAT, and the acorn logo areregistered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board. Connect to college success, SAT Reasoning Test, SAT

Subject Test, The Official Guide to the SAT: For the New SAT, and The Official SAT Online Course are trademarks owned bythe College Entrance Examination Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board

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respective owners. Visit the College Board on the Web: www.collegeboard.com.
http://www.collegeboard.com/http://www.collegeboard.com/

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1. E 1 13 . A 3 1. A 1 13 . E 4 1. E 1 11 . C 32. C 3 14 . B 3 2. A 3 14 . B 3 2. B 2 12 . C 43. B 3 15 . A 2 3. D 4 15 . C 3 3. C 3 13 . A 34. E 5 16 . B 3 4. C 3 16 . E 2 4. C 3 14 . B 5

5. C 5 17 . E 3 5. B 4 17 . C 1 5. D 4 15 . A 36. B 1 18 . A 1 6. C 5 18 . D 2 6. A 5 16 . D 37. D 2 19 . E 3 7. B 5 19 . A 3 7. B 3 17 . C 38. B 5 20 . C 2 8. A 5 20 . D 5 8. D 2 18 . C 39. D 5 21 . D 3 9. C 2 21 . B 3 9. E 3 19 . E 3

10 . B 3 22 . E 2 10 . B 2 22 . B 3 10 . C 411 . A 3 23 . C 3 11 . E 2 23 . D 212 . E 2 12 . A 4 24 . A 3

25 . B 3

1. C 1 11 . E 3 1. D 1 9. D 32. E 1 12 . A 3 2. E 1 10 . A 3

1. B 1 9. 89 1 3. E 2 13 . A 3 3. A 1 11 . B 32. C 1 10 . 200 2 4. C 2 14 . E 4 4. C 2 12 . A 43. A 1 11 . 75 3 5. C 1 15 . E 4 5. D 2 13 . C 44. D 2 12 . 3 3 6. D 2 16 . E 3 6. D 3 14 . D 45. B 3 13 . 12 3 7. A 2 17 . A 4 7. C 3 15 . C 56. D 4 14 . 0 < x < 1 3 8. B 2 18 . B 4 8. E 3 16 . A 57. C 4 15 . 1600 3 9. E 2 19 . E 48. E 4 16 . 5/8 or . 625 4 10 . A 3 20 . C 5

17 . 1/3 or . 333 4

18 . 5/2 or 2.5 5

(9-18)

1. D 2 10 . C 5 19 . E 2 28 . A 3 1. C 1 6. A 1 11 . E 32. E 1 11 . C 5 20 . A 5 29 . E 3 2. D 1 7. C 2 12 . B 3

3. E 1 12 . A 1 21 . E 3 30 . C 3 3. D 1 8. B 3 13 . C 44. E 3 13 . D 3 22 . D 3 31 . E 3 4. D 1 9. A 3 14 . D 55. B 3 14 . B 1 23 . D 4 32 . A 3 5. C 3 10 . D 36. A 3 15 . B 1 24 . A 1 33 . E 37. B 3 16 . A 3 25 . B 5 34 . A 38. D 3 17 . C 3 26 . C 5 35 . C 39. C 3 18 . C 3 27 . D 5

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

Section 4 Section 6 Section 9

Section 5Section 2 Section 8

Number correctNumber correct

Number incorrectNumber incorrect

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

Number incorrect

Number correct

Number correct

Number incorrect

Number correct

Number incorrect

Number correct Number correct

Number incorrect

Number incorrect

Number correct

Number incorrect

Number correct

Section 3 Section 10

COR. DIFF.ANS. LEV.

Multiple-ChoiceQuestions

COR.ANS.

DIFF.LEV.

Student-ProducedResponse Questions

Critical Reading

Math

Writing

NOTE: Difficulty levels are estimates of question difficulty for a reference group of college-bound seniors.

Difficulty levels range from 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest).

Correct Answers and Difficulty Levels for the SAT Practice Test

SAT Preparation Booklet 83

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SAT Preparation Booklet84

Scoring the SAT Practice

Test

Check your responses with the correct answers on page 83. Fill inthe blanks below and do the calculations to get your math, criticalreading, and writing raw scores. Use the tables on pages 8586 tofind your scaled scores.

Get Your Math Score

How many math questions did you get right?

Section 2: Questions 118 ___________

Section 5: Questions 120 + ___________


Total = ___________(A)

How many multiple-choice math questions did you getwrong?




Total = ___________

0.25 = ___________(B)

A - B = ___________Math Raw Score

Round Math raw score to the nearest whole number.

Use the table on page 85 to find your Math scaled score.

Get Your Critical Reading Score

How many critical reading questions did you get right?




Total = ___________(A)

How many critical reading questions did you get wrong?




Total = ___________

0.25 = ___________(B)

A - B = ___________Critical ReadingRaw Score

Round Critical Reading raw score to the nearestwhole number.

Use the table on page 85 to find your Critical Reading scaled score.

Get Your Writing Score

How many multiple-choice writing questions did you get right?


Section 10: Questions 114+ ___________

Total = ___________(A)

How many multiple-choice writing questions did you getwrong?


Section 10: Questions 114+ ___________

Total = ___________

0.25 = ___________(B)

A - B = ___________Writing multiple-choiceRaw Score

Round Writing multiple-choice raw score to the nearest wholenumber.

Use the table on page 85 to find your Writing multiple-choicescaled score.

2 = (D)

Estimate your essay score using the Essay Scoring Guide on page 35

Use the table on page 86, your writing multiple-choice raw score(C), and your essay score (D) to find your Writing composite scaledscore.

Check your responses with the correct answers on the previous

pages. Fill in the blanks below and do the calculations to get your

math, critical reading, and writing raw scores. Use the tables the

next pages to find your scaled scores.

Use the table on the next page to find your Math scaled score.

Use the table on the next page to find your Critical Reading scaled

score.

Use the table on the next page to find your Writing multiple-choice

scaled score.

Use the table on the page after next, along with your writing multiple

choice raw score (C) and your essay score (D), to find your Writing

composite scaled score.

(C)

Estimate your essay score using the Essay Scoring Guide.

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SAT Score Conversion Table

67 800 31 510 560 5666 800 30 500 550 55

65 800 29 490 540 54

64 790 28 490 530 53

63 770 27 480 520 52

62 750 26 470 520 51

61 740 25 470 510 50

60 720 24 460 500 49

59 710 23 450 490 49

58 700 22 450 480 48

57 690 21 440 470 47

56 68

0 20 440 460 4655 670 19 430 450 45

54 660 800 18 420 450 44

53 650 790 17 420 440 43

52 650 760 16 410 430 42

51 640 740 15 400 420 41

50 630 720 14 400 410 40

49 620 710 80 13 390 400 39

48 620 700 80 12 380 390 38

47 610 690 77 11 370 380 37

46 600 680 75 10 370 370 36

45 600 670 73 9 360 360 35

44 590 660 71 8 350 340 3443 580 650 70 7 340 330 33

42 580 650 68 6 330 320 31

41 570 640 67 5 320 310 30

40 560 630 66 4 310 290 28

39 560 620 65 3 300 280 27

38 550 610 63 2 280 260 25

37 540 610 62 1 270 250 23

36 540 600 61 0 250 230 21

35 530 590 60 -1 230 210 20

34 520 580 59 -2 210 200 20

33 520 570 58 -3 200 200 20

32 510 570 57 and below

This table is for use only with the test in this booklet.

* The Writing multiple-choice score is reported on a 20-80 scale. Use the table on page 86 for the writing composite scaled score.

Raw

Score

Critical

Reading

Scaled

Score

Math

Scaled

Score

Math

Scaled

Score

Critical

Reading

Scaled

ScoreRaw

Score

Writing

Multiple-Choice

Scaled

Score

Writing

Multiple-Choice

Scaled

Score*

* The Writing multiple-choice score is reported on a 20-80 scale. Use the table on the next page for the writing composite scaled

score.

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SAT Preparation Booklet86

SAT Writing Composite Score Conversion Table

Writing MC

Raw Score 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 0

49 800 800 800 800 780 760 750 730 720 710 690 680

48 800 800 800 780 760 740 730 710 700 690 670 660

47 800 790 770 760 740 720 700 690 680 660 650 630

46 790 770 750 740 720 700 680 670 660 640 630 610

45 770 760 740 720 700 680 670 650 640 630 610 600

44 760 740 720 710 690 670 650 640 630 610 600 580

43 740 730 710 700 680 660 640 630 610 600 580 57042 730 720 700 680 660 640 630 610 600 590 570 560

41 720 710 690 670 650 630 620 600 590 580 560 550

40 710 700 680 660 640 620 610 590 580 570 550 540

39 700 690 670 650 630 610 600 580 570 560 540 530

38 690 680 660 640 620 600 590 570 560 550 530 520

37 680 670 650 630 610 590 580 560 550 540 520 510

36 670 660 640 630 600 590 570 560 540 530 510 500

35 670 650 630 620 600 580 560 550 540 520 510 490

34 660 640 620 610 590 570 550 540 530 510 500 480

33 650 640 620 600 580 560 550 530 520 500 490 470

32 640 630 610 590 570 550 540 520 510 500 480 470

31 630 620 600 580 560 540 530 510 500 490 470 460

30 620 610 590 580 560 540 520 510 490 480 460 45029 620 600 580 570 550 530 510 500 490 470 460 440

28 610 600 580 560 540 520 510 490 480 460 450 430

27 600 590 570 550 530 510 500 480 470 460 440 430

26 590 580 560 550 520 510 490 480 460 450 430 420

25 590 570 550 540 520 500 480 470 460 440 430 410

24 580 570 550 530 510 490 480 460 450 430 420 400

23 570 560 540 520 500 480 470 450 440 430 410 400

22 560 550 530 510 490 480 460 440 430 420 400 390

21 560 540 520 510 490 470 450 440 430 410 400 380

20 550 530 520 500 480 460 440 430 420 400 390 370

19 540 530 510 490 470 450 440 420 410 400 380 370

18 530 520 500 480 460 440 430 410 400 390 370 360

17 520 510 490 480 460 440 420 410 390 380 360 35016 520 500 480 470 450 430 410 400 390 370 360 340

15 510 500 480 460 440 420 410 390 380 360 350 330

14 500 490 470 450 430 410 400 380 370 360 340 330

13 490 480 460 450 420 410 390 370 360 350 330 320

12 490 470 450 440 420 400 380 370 360 340 330 310

11 480 460 440 430 410 390 370 360 350 330 320 300

10 470 460 440 420 400 380 370 350 340 320 310 290

9 460 450 430 410 390 370 360 340 330 320 300 290

8 450 440 420 400 380 360 350 330 320 310 290 280

7 440 430 410 390 370 350 340 320 310 300 280 270

6 430 420 400 380 360 340 330 310 300 290 270 260

5 420 410 390 370 350 330 320 300 290 280 260 250

4 410 390 380 360 340 320 300 290 280 260 250 230

3 390 380 360 350 330 310 290 280 260 250 230 220

2 380 370 350 330 310 290 280 260 250 240 220 210

1 360 350 330 310 290 280 260 240 230 220 200 200

0 350 330 310 300 280 260 240 230 220 200 200 200

-1 330 310 290 280 260 240 220 210 200 200 200 200

-2 310 300 280 270 250 230 210 200 200 200 200 200

and below

This table is for use only with the test in this booklet.

Essay Raw Score

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SCORE OF 6

An essay in this category is outstand-ing, demonstrating clear and consis-tent mastery, although it may have afew minor errors. A typical essay:

effectively and insightfullydevelops a point of view onthe issue and demonstratesoutstanding critical thinking,using clearly appropriateexamples, reasons, andother evidence to support itsposition

is well organized and clearlyfocused, demonstrating clearcoherence and smooth pro-gression of ideas

exhibits skillful use of lan-guage, using a varied, accu-rate, and apt vocabulary

demonstrates meaningfulvariety in sentence structure

is free of most errors ingrammar, usage, andmechanics

SCORE OF 5

An essay in this category is effective,demonstrating reasonably consistentmastery, although it will have occa-sional errors or lapses in quality. Atypical essay:

effectively develops a pointof view on the issue anddemonstrates strong criticalthinking, generally usingappropriate examples,reasons, and other evidenceto support its position

is well organized andfocused, demonstratingcoherence and progressionof ideas

exhibits facility in the useof language, using appro-priate vocabulary

demonstrates variety insentence structure

is generally free of mosterrors in grammar, usage,and mechanics

SCORE OF 4

An essay in this category is compe-tent, demonstrating adequate mas-tery, although it will have lapses inquality. A typical essay:

develops a point of view onthe issue and demonstratescompetent critical thinking,using adequate examples,reasons, and other evidenceto support its position

is generally organized andfocused, demonstratingsome coherence andprogression of ideas

exhibits adequate butinconsistent facility in theuse of language, usinggenerally appropriatevocabulary

demonstrates some varietyin sentence structure has some errors in gram-

mar, usage, and mechanics

SCORE OF 3

An essay in this category is inade-quate, but demonstrates developingmastery, and is marked by ONE ORMORE of the following weaknesses:

develops a point of view onthe issue, demonstratingsome critical thinking, butmay do so inconsistently oruse inadequate examples,reasons, or other evidenceto support its position

is limited in its organizationor focus, or may demon-strate some lapses in coher-ence or progression of ideas

displays developing facilityin the use of language, but

sometimes uses weakvocabulary or inappropriateword choice

lacks variety or demon-strates problems in sentencestructure

contains an accumulationof errors in grammar,usage, and mechanics

SCORE OF 2

An essay in this category is seriouslylimited, demonstrating littlemastery, and is flawed by ONE ORMORE of the following weaknesses:

develops a point of view onthe issue that is vague orseriously limited, anddemonstrates weak criticalthinking, providing inappro-priate or insufficient exam-ples, reasons, or other evi-dence to support its position

is poorly organized and/orfocused, or demonstratesserious problems withcoherence or progressionof ideas

displays very little facility inthe use of language, usingvery limited vocabulary orincorrect word choice

demonstrates frequentproblems in sentencestructure

contains errors in grammar,usage, and mechanics soserious that meaning issomewhat obscured

SCORE OF 1

An essay in this category is funda-mentally lacking, demonstratingvery little or no mastery, and isseverely flawed by ONE OR MORE

of the following weaknesses: develops no viable point

of view on the issue, orprovides little or no evi-dence to support itsposition

is disorganized or unfo-cused, resulting in a dis-

jointed or incoherent essay displays fundamental errors

in vocabulary demonstrates severe flaws

in sentence structure

contains pervasive errors ingrammar, usage, ormechanics that persistentlyinterfere with meaning

Essays not written on the essay assignment will receive a score of zero.

ESSAY SCORING GUIDE

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Sample Essays for the SAT Practice Test

Essay #1: This essay received a score of 6

While I do not dispute that creativity is always necessary, I do not believe that it is needed anymore in todays worldthan it ever has been. Todays world certainly faces its share of problems. Most major world powers face the ever-

present threat of terrorism, the American economy is struggling to fight out of a recession, and Russia is locked in

an often bloody war with Chechnyan rebels. These problems, as well as others of pressing importance in todays

world (i.e. the rebuilding of Iraq and containment of nuclear arms proliferation) must be solved creatively. However,

creativity has always been needed to solve mankinds problems. The first human beings had to be creative when

fashioning the crude weapons that they used to hunt. Farmers in Mesopotamia had to be creative when developing

irrigation systems. During the Great Depression, Secretary of State Cordell Hull used creativity to craft reciprocal

trade agreements, which helped improve the world economy. Human creativity has always been essential to our

world, and that is no different today.

In fact, I disagree with Mr. Csikszentmihalys assessment that human creativity is on the decline. Slightly more than

35 years ago, we put a man on the moon. Shortly thereafter the first personal computer was put on the market; in

fact, the computer industry is an excellent example of human creativity at work. I expect, however, that Mr.

Csikszentmihaly would dismiss that example as an immediate practical application. However, the State of

California and many private entities are exploring stem cells and their potential to cure disease. The federal

government has explored a Star Wars missile defense shield. Neither of these endeavors presents any immediate

benefits. In the arts, recent painters include Pablo Picasso and Rufino Tamayo, two masters. The Beatles

revolutionized music, and Luciano Pavarotti is arguably one of the best singers ever.

Given mankinds recent creative accomplishment, I do not believe that creativity is on the decline, and given the

abundant examples of mankinds need for creativity in the past, I do not believe that it is any more necessary today

than it was 50, 100, or 1000 years ago.Why Essay #1 Received a Score of 6

This essay demonstrates clear and consistent mastery in insightfully and effectively disputing the prompt's claimsabout creativity ("Given mankind's recent creative accomplishments, I do not believe that creativity is on the decline,

and given the abundant examples of mankind's need for creativity in the past, I do not believe that it is any more

necessary today than it was 50, 100, or 1000 years ago"). The essay shows outstanding critical thinking in its well-

organized and focused presentation of clearly appropriate evidence ("However, creativity has always been needed to

solve mankind's problems. The first human beings had to be creative when fashioning the crude weapons that they

used to hunt. Farmers in Mesopotamia had to be creative when developing irrigation systems"). The essay also

exhibits skillful use of language and demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure ("These problems, as

well as others of pressing importance in today's world (i.e. the rebuilding of Iraq and containment of nuclear arms

proliferation) must be solved creativelyDuring the Great Depression, Cordell Hull used creativity to craft reciprocal

trade agreements"). This outstanding essay earns a score of 6.


In a world where economic prosperity and getting ahead in work and technology are highly valued, creativity and

the arts are often shunted in favor of more practical pursuits. Students abandon dreams of acting or painting in

order to major in medicine, computer technology, or engineering: highly profitable and scientific fields. Even with the

advances in these fields, however, there is still a need for creativity in our world, because seeing things in a new

way can make all the difference.

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Today, more and more public schools are forced to abandon their arts programs to make time for subjects like

science and math: subjects in which all students must have a basic knowledge in order to succeed in higher

education. However, by leaving these programs behind, children are deprived of the creative stimulation that the

arts provide, and are taught to view the world in black and white terms: one right answer to every problem. With

a view such as this, how will children perform in the future? It may be assumed that all people will see things the

same way, and propose only one solution to a problem, failing to see the bigger picture.

Creativity has obviously influenced earlier generations in a positive way, so there is no need to eliminate creativity

from our world. What would have happened if Franklin Roosevelt had never proposed his New Deal? The Great

Depression might have persisted for some time, robbing even more families of their chance at prosperity and

happiness. However, by proposing a new, creative solution for the problem of the U.S.s depression, FDR pulled the

nation out of its slump. Another example of how creativity has positively influenced the world happened just

recently, with the introduction of hybrid cars. These new cars do not rely on as much oil as other cars do in order to

operate, using alternative energy sources instead. Without the creative minds behind the invention of these cars,

the world would rely so much on its limited oil reserves that fuel would eventually run out. Because of creativity, the

world has a chance to find other energy sources.

Though these practical applications for creativity are conducive to everyone, the common man benefits even more from

the stimulation that the arts provide. In a world dominated by political powers and torn apart by war, entertainers in the

arts can inspire hope and change in everyone. A child watching a Charlie Chaplin film might decide to join thegymnastics team, or a woman observing a Monet painting in a museum might become an elementary school art

teacher: who knows? The arts can transport people to other places, into different ways of thinking.

The importance of creativity in the world today is enormous, for it has both pragmatic and important applications.

Creativity is both a source for inspiration and a problem-solving method, and without it, our world would greatly suffer.

Why Essay #2 Received a Score of 6

This essay effectively and insightfully develops the point of view that creativity "is both a source for inspiration and a

problem-solving method, and without it, our world would greatly suffer." The writer uses outstanding critical thinking

and clearly appropriate evidence to show that creativity's benefits are both practical (the New Deal, hybrid cars) and

intangible (students inspired by the arts). Well organized and focused, the essay shows clear coherence and smooth

progression of ideas ("Without the creative minds behind the invention of these cars, the world would rely so muchon its limited oil reserves that fuel would eventually run out. Because of creativity, the world has a chance to find

other energy sources. Though these practical applications for creativity are conducive to everyone, the common man

benefits even more from the stimulation that the arts provide"). It also consistently displays skillful use of language

and meaningful variety in sentence structure ("However, by leaving these programs behind, children are deprived of

the creative stimulation that the arts provide, and are taught to view the world in "black and white" terms: one right

answer to every problem. With a view such as this, how will children perform in the future?"). This outstanding

essay receives the highest score of 6.


Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is very correct in his observation that the people of the world today are interested more inpracticality than creativity. The arts are slowly dwindling in popularity, and have been for quite some time, more

rapidly after the invention of the computer and its ability to mimic the creativity in the arts. Creativity is needed more

than ever in the world today.

Back in the 1930s and 40s, Jazz was the most popular music in America, if not the world. During that time, even

though it was plagued by depression and war, the American people were in good moods when it came to music.

Back then, Jazz was a dance music, and the creativity of the improvisation done by the individual musician was

astounding, and the Jazz vocabulary grew by leaps and bounds every year. However, now this innovative, catchy

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music has been replaced by Rap music, which is simply a man or woman chanting violent, profane,

incomprehensible words to a computerized drum-and-bass loop. The creativity in this music is non-existent, and look

what it has done to our youth. Rap is not a fun type of music. It is a serious type of music, due to its lack of

creativity, and because of this, the kids are resorting to violence and drugs to cope with their want for innovation.

Another example of the worlds need for creativity is the lack of creative options at high schools. Schools today

teach basically from the books there is a paucity of first-hand experiences. Because of this, the creativity that thestudents may have possessed essentially has no outlet, and it slowly disappears over time. The result is that the

students are only wanting to become businessmen, lawyers, or doctors. There is no creativity involved in those jobs

one just has to be as close-minded as possible and exceptionally focused. The population of professional artists

and musicians in the United States is diminishing rapidly, simply because the spark of creativity that young people

have can never find an outlet, so to speak. If we continue at this rate, we will have computers performing all of the

concerts with midi synthesizers, like they do on Broadway, and software creating works of art. The people will be

like robots without any emotion or passion, simply focusing on what they need to do to get to the next day.

Personally, I am a musician, so naturally I have a biased opinion on this subject. However, this severe lack of focus

on creativity in schools, and especially in the music industry, is unsettling, and from seeing how people are without

the arts in their lives, living emotionless, passionless lives, I know that creativity is needed more than ever.

Why Essay #3 Received a Score of 5This essay demonstrates reasonably consistent mastery in effectively developing the point of view that the "severe

lack of creativity in schools, and especially in the music industry, is unsettling, andcreativity is needed more than

ever." The essay displays strong critical thinking and effective organization, using the appropriate examples of

changes in musical taste (from jazz to rap) and "the lack of creative options at high schools" to argue that the stifling

of creativity negatively affects people's lives. The essay also demonstrates coherence and progression of ideas, as

well as facility in the use of language and variety in sentence structure ("Schools today teach basically from the

books--there is a paucity of first-hand experiences. Because of this, the creativity that the students may have

possessed essentially has no outlet, and it slowly disappears over time. The result is that students are only wanting

to become businessmen, lawyers, or doctors"). To earn a score of 6, the essay needs to provide additional focused

evidence to support the claim that there is a link between a lack of creative options and people "resorting to violence

and drugs," or behaving "like robots." This essay is effective and achieves a score of 5.


It is registration day right before the start of senior year and you have just received your class schedule: eight periods of

grueling, AP-level classes. You scrutinize the paper and see something surprising. There, between the BC Calculus and

the European history, is a rare species: a pottery class. It simply cannot be, you say to yourself in a tone of awe. You

had thought that such an elusive creature would never again dwell in the same habitat as your advanced class, not after

you were through and over with your freshman and sophomore years. You tuck your schedule into a folder and make a

mental note to drop the class as soon as you can.

The attitude of most honors students towards art classes is similar to that of a person faced with an inoculation. If

they werent needed, most students wouldnt take art classes. The sheer thought of forsaking a valuable time slotfor just playing with paints is simply shocking. Most students would prefer to take a course that they would need in

the future such as physics or chemistry. Yet in todays world we need classes that give us the chance to freely

explore the realms of creativity; to create. In a world where we are rammed into the mold of a useful citizen with our

knowledge of facts and information, dont we need the ability to use this knowledge to create something useful.

What good would the knowledge of chemistry be to a person who doesnt have the capability to use it to form

something new. Our world demands creativity! Our world demands the ability to create! Our world demands that

you take that art class!

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In effectively developing a point of view about creativity by portraying the "attitude of most honors students towards

art classes," this essay displays strong critical thinking ("Most students would prefer to take a course that they would

need in the future such as physics or chemistry. Yet in today's world we need classes that give us the chance to

freely explore the realms of creativity; to create"). Well organized and focused, the essay demonstrates coherence

and progression of ideas ("It is registration day right before the start of senior year and you have just received your

class schedule: eight periods of grueling, AP-level classes. You scrutinize the paper and see something surprising.

There, between the BC Calculus and the European history, is a rare species: a pottery class"). The essay also features

facility in the use of language and variety in sentence structure ("Our world demands that you take that art class!"). In

order to achieve a higher score, the essay needs to further develop the central point that knowledge is useless

without "the capacity to use it to form something new." This effective essay earns a score of 5.


Creativity is needed more than ever in the world today. It is essential for human beings to be creative and develop

ideas and tools that better aid the world. It can also serve as a motivational tool.

Born and raised in the Silicon Valley of California, I have had experiences and knowledge of how high-tech

companies function. One will not believe how many interesting chips and gadgets these companies manufacture!

However, it is the creativity and innovations of employees that bring us computers, TiVo, cable television, CAT scan

equipment and many other electronic devices that entertain and help us in everyday life. Everyday essentials and

life-saving devices would not have existed if creative minds were not put to work. Creativity can also be

implemented in early stages of childhood.

Creativity is the element that relieves us from the banal experiences of everyday life. When I was in the first grade, I

was a boring little adolescent. Everyday I would come home and flip on the television. However, one day I decided

to invite my friend over to play. We took my stuffed animals and began making a drama out of it. It was his idea to

set the scenario of an elementary school setting with a bully (my gorilla) picking on little kids (a stuffed seal, a fox,

some Beanie Babies, and a turtle). It was quite funny and entertaining. I had a lot of roles to do, too. If it werent for

that day, I would still probably be coming home to the television. However, now I am actively in a drama group, and Ienjoy making short films, some spontaneously on the spot. I owe it to my friend who stimulated and helped me

discover my creativity. Someday I hope to be the next Steven Spielberg or Quentin Tarantino.

Creativity is indeed beneficial and essential to the world. It helps people make life-saving devices and helps serve as

motivation for others. It makes me wonder how lackluster the world would be if it wasnt for creativity.


This essay demonstrates competent critical thinking and displays some coherence and progression of ideas by

specifying two distinct ways in which creativity is important: "It helps people make life-saving devices and helps

serve as motivation for others." The essay uses adequate examples to develop its point of view, explaining that "it is

the creativity and innovations of employees that bring us computers, TiVo, cable television, CAT scan equipment and

many other electronic devices that entertain and help us in everyday life," and showing how creative activities in

childhood led the writer to become an aspiring filmmaker. The essay exhibits adequate but inconsistent facility in the

use of language, and demonstrates some variety in sentence structure ("It was his idea to set the scenario of an

elementary school setting with a bully (my gorilla) picking on little kids (a stuffed seal, a fox, some Beanie Babies,

and a turtle). It was quite funny and entertaining. I had a lot of roles to do, too"). To achieve a higher score, the essay

needs to use stronger critical thinking to further develop and connect the two examples. This competent essay

earns a score of 4.

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In elementary school students are asked to draw, craft and write creatively. As they grow older they are encouraged

to step farther and farther away from this idea. The closer they get to adulthood the more direct and factual their

work should be. In todays world the use of creativity is discouraged due to the development of technology and the

expectations of the school system.

Since the early 1900s when such inventions as the lightbulb and steam engine were introduced people have been

directed away from thinking for themselves. The common man need not think of a solution to his problem if a

machine can do it for him. By creating more technology the world is limiting itself and dispensing of any need for

creativity.

In the school system too it is easy to find that students can do well without using the artistic sides of their brains.

Throughout high school children are asked to evaluate challenging algebra equations and memorize our nations

history. These tasks ask not for creativity, but merely knowledge of what has been put before them. Even the SAT

has, until this year, ranked students based on their ability to answer questions, not on their artistic talents.

People are taught more and more that there is a right way to do everything. In this type of society it is not necessary

to challenge oneself creativly but to do as one is told. This clearly shows that creativity is no longer needed to

survive on our world.


This essay adequately develops the point of view that "In this type of society it is not necessary to challenge oneself

creativly," and uses competent critical thinking to show how technology and schools contribute to this problem. The

essay is generally organized and focused, demonstrating some coherence and progression of ideas as it explains

that creativity is no longer encouraged ("The common man need not think of a solution to his problem if a machine

can do it for himstudents can do well without using the artistic sides of their brainsPeople are taught more and

more that there is a right way to do everything"). The essay exhibits adequate facility in the use of language ("Even

the SAT has, until this year, ranked students based on their ability to answer questions, not on their artistic talents").

To achieve a h igher score, the essay needs to demonstrate stronger critical thinking in addressing the issue and

developing a point of view. For example, the essay should further explore the ideas in the following statement: "By

creating more technology the world is limiting itself and dispensing of any need for creativity." This competent essayreceives a score of 4.


Creativity is needed more than ever in the world today. The world now has many contraversial topics and issues.

Many people feel that they can express their opinions to these such topics through writing, when in some cases, art

may be a better choice. Creativity can add diversity to the world and it can show all angles to many issues, which is

greatly needed in the world today.

Adding diversity to the world helps to show the world everyones true character. Everyone has a unique personality

and what better way to show ones personality than through creativity? Extensive scientific research has shown that

we, humans, learn form mistakes. If someone speaks up with an idea no one has thought of before, people will

most likely shoot it down. After many times of missing great ideas because of their difference we will come to relize

our mistake. Thus, adding diversity.

Through creativity people can make works of art. Through art people can show all angles of a situation. Seeing

problems or issues from both viewpoints can help people better understand the right decison to a problem or issue.

This would help the world with their problems everyday.

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Therefore, creativity is needed more than ever in the world today. Creativity adds diversity to our world and also

shows many angles to problems. This would help our world today more than ever. Creativity can be used to make

art creations. Art is like one massive problem containing many in-depth problems when looked at closely. Today, life

is like this too.


This essay shows some critical thinking in developing the point of view that "Creativity adds diversity to our world

and also shows many angles to problems." But the essay's examples and reasons are general and unclear, resulting

in inadequate support for the position ("After many times of missing great ideas because of their difference we will

come to realize our mistake. Thus, adding diversityCreativity can be used to make art creations. Art is like one

massive problem containing many in-depth problems when looked at closely"). The essay displays developing facility

in the use of language, with some inappropriate word choice ("Many people feel that they can express their opinions

to these such topics through writing, when in some cases, art may be a better choice"). To achieve a higher score,

this essay needs to use more specific examples and to explain the connections between diversity, art, problem-

solving, and creativity more clearly. This essay shows developing mastery and receives a score of 3.

Essay #8: This essay received a score of 2I think creativity is needed more than ever in the world today because we have a number of growing. If everyone

just came together and came up with creative ideas to solve all our problems, then this world would be a better

place. One creative idea we need to come up with is a cure for Aids. More then half a million Americans are infected

with this deadly virus and if we came up with a cure, that would help the rest from getting infected.

Another creative idea we need is to come up with a cure for all diseases. This will help Americans not to suffer from

all the horrible diseases. This will help us all if we get creative. With our creativity we might be able to make this

world a better place for the future and for all of us.


This seriously limited essay attempts to develop a point of view on the issue ("With our creativity we might be able

to make the world a better place for the future and for all of us"), but provides insufficient examples to support theposition. Evidence is limited to a brief, vague discussion of our need to find a cure for diseases, particularly AIDS.

The essay demonstrates problems with progression of ideas ("if we come up with a cure, that would help the rest

from getting infected. Another creative idea we need is to come up with a cure for all diseases"). The essay also

displays very little facility with language, including errors so serious that meaning is somewhat obscured ("I think

creativity is needed more than ever in the world today because we have a number of growing"). To achieve a higher

score, this essay needs to improve in several key areas, including critical thinking, development, selection of

examples, and use of language. This essay demonstrates little mastery and is scored a 2.


Have you ever felt like a number stuck in a jar with billions of other numbers waiting to be picked and being thelucky number? Thier are almost three new number being created each second. The humans are controlers of this

world. The only thing that can wipe out humans are us the human rase.

It seems like we are killing are self very slowly. One of the biggest problems that our world has is over population. We

are simply running out of room. When there is no more room on earth where are we going to go. Have you ever gone to

L.A. and sat in traffic around five o clock. Can you just imagine what will happen when everywhere looks like that?

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The Human Rase hears of at least 4 new diseases a year. Are we just going to let them take over us and concord

the world? There are many more people being brought to this world then dieing. Dont you think we should be

taking care of the new ones here? The human rase and become extencted just as easy as any other animal. My

feeling go both ways here what are we going to do. Stop our creativity for a moment or take care of the ones here

to day?

Why Essay #9 Received a Score of 1This fundamentally lacking essay develops no viable point of view on the issue of creativity, offering only a few

confused ideas about overpopulation and disease. The essay is on topic and is clearly a response to the prompt, but

the point of view and evidence are so disorganized and unfocused ("My feeling go both ways here what are we

going to do. Stop our creativity for a moment or take care of the ones here to day?") that the result is an incoherent

essay. The essay also demonstrates fundamental errors in vocabulary ("It seems like we are killing are self very

slowly"). To achieve a higher score, the essay needs to develop a coherent point of view on the issue, support it

with appropriate reasons and examples, and reduce the number of language errors. This essay demonstrates almost

no mastery and receives a score of 1.

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