get the most from ets criterion: student orientation

By Professor Kim MorinJanuary 2011

For Use with ETS Criterion® 2009 Note: to download, use the "Actions" link at the bottom of the screen!

After you submit your essay you will see the Performance Summary.

• Holistic Score (1-6)• Trait Feedback Analysis

Grammar, Usage, Mechanics Style, Organization

• The Trait Feedback Analysis screens provide automated diagnostic comments.It indicates possible errors in your paper.

After you submit your essay you will see:   Trait Scores with  number of errors

You can view or print a Summary Report  of your scores.

Click the tab at the right.

The  Performance Summary Report looks like this. It  shows the holistic score and lists the # of errors 

   Click on "Print Expanded Performance Summary         Report" to print your Trait Score + your essay 

 The  Expanded Performance Summary Report       lists the # of errors and shows your essay.      

Use this to print a copy of your essay for editing.   

 Revise your essay for a better grade! Try to get a Trait Score of "0-0-0" for Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics errors!  

So, how do you find the errors?

   Find possible ERRORS by clicking on links at the right.

You will see possible errors highlighted in blue in your essay.

Hint: Roll over each highlighted error to see the feedback message.

To make corrections, simply click on "Revise Essay" at the top of the page.

You will have 2 views of your essay.

• From your Home Page click on <View your portfolio for this class>.

• The first and most recent submissions for all assignments will be saved in your portfolio.

• Click on the name of an essay to open it in your portfolio. 

• You can see the date & time submitted. Make sure it is your most recent submission.

•  

To revise your essay from the Home Page - click on "View your Portfolio" 

You and your professor can view first and most recent versions, dates, and # of submissions.

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Trait Feedback provides automated diagnostic comments.

Simply click on “Writer’s Handbook” in the upper-right corner of the screen

Warning! Criterion® does not recognize:

1.Citations for resources2.(parentheses)3.Proper names4.Technical terms or writing styles5.Tables, graphs, or formatting6.Headings or Titles

What errors do you see that the computer missed in this sentence?

Be a critical thinker. YOU DECIDE!

If Your Instructor uses the Holistic Score...

If your instructor has opted to use it, you may see a Score 1-6. 

This is called your Holistic Score. It can be used as one more tool to analyze  your writing skills.

It is not a grade!

Holistic ScoresGenerally the scores mean: Levels 5-6 Acceptable - may still have grammatical or usage errorsRemember- Acceptable or Satisfactory generally translates to a "C" - not necessarily an "A"

Levels 3-4Needs improvement- problems with organization and trait levels

Levels 1-2 Needs a lot of helpMany problems identified

 A score of N/A

generally means "not available" or there is no holistic score available for that assignment.

• BE AWARE!• You can correct all grammatical errors and still

have a low holistic score.                                    You can score 6/6 and still have many  errors in grammar!                                                                   GO THROUGH EACH TRAIT CAREFULLY!                                                                                 “TRAIT FEEDBACK ANALYSIS” helps you get the most from ETS Criterion!

• PROOFREAD!• Think critically• Read your paper aloud to someone• Check the Writer’s Handbook• Verify the spellings (Use a dictionary!)

• Use “Trait Feedback Analysis” Menu• Examine Criterion diagnostic feedback

and comments.• Correct all "fixable errors" - try for "0-0-0" • Decide which errors identified by

Criterion® may actually be correct.• Submit essay

You Can Excel at Writing!

 Note: to download, use the "Actions" link at the bottom of the screen!