writing scoring guide grade 3€¦ · grade 3 writing scoring guide 1 annotation: score point 4/4/2...

Writing Scoring

Guide Grade 3

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Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 2

Informative/Explanatory Writing Rubric .................................................................................................... 3

Writing Prompt ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

Sample Student Responses and Annotations

Sample 1 (S-1) Student Response Score Point 4/4/2............................................................... 6

Sample 2 (S-2) Student Response Score Point 4/4/2............................................................... 8

Sample 3 (S-3) Student Response Score Point 3/3/2............................................................. 10





Sample 8 (S-8) Student Response Score Point 1/1/1............................................................ 20


Sample 10 (S-10) Student Response Score Point 0 .................................................................24

Writing Scoring Guide Grade 3 Introduction

This document contains one writing prompt, annotated student samples, and scoring rubrics that educators, schools, and districts can use as a resource regarding the scoring of student responses on the writing component of the ELA assessments. Students are administered a set of passages on a similar topic and a text-dependent writing prompt that requires them to compose an informative/explanatory or opinion/argumentative written response. Students draw on reading and writing skills while integrating information from the passage set in order to develop and draft a cohesive response.

This guide contains sample student responses that illustrate the score point values

described in the applicable scoring rubric. The rubric comprises three domains: Purpose, Focus, and Organization; Evidence and Elaboration; and Conventions of Standard English. Examples of student responses represent various combinations of score points across the scoring domains. The annotations that follow each response provide a basis for developing a common understanding of the scoring criteria by explaining the characteristics of the response as described in the rubric. These responses are not intended to illustrate a full spectrum of examples for each score point in each domain. Moreover, they do not necessarily represent the highest or lowest example of each score point in each domain.

While some responses earn the scores described in the rubric, others can receive a score of zero due to certain condition codes. If a student’s response generates a condition code, then the response did not successfully pass filters that examine the response for length, extent of copying from the passages, duplicate text, or relationship to the prompt. The information below provides a brief description of each condition code.

Table 1. Condition Codes, Descriptions

Condition Code Description

No Response The response was empty or consisted only of white space (space characters, tab characters, return characters).

Not Enough Data The response has too few words to be considered a valid attempt at the prompt.

Duplicate Text The response contains a significant amount of duplicate or repeated text.

Prompt Copy Match The response consists primarily of text copied from the passages or prompt.

For additional information regarding the ELA standards or assessments, please contact your district or state department.

Grade 3 Writing Scoring Guide

Informative/Explanatory Writing Rubric

Writing Scoring Guide Grade 3

Informative/Explanatory Writing Rubric, continued


Writing Prompt

To offer students a variety of texts on the ELA Writing assessments, authentic and copyrighted passages and articles appear as they were originally published, as requested by the publisher and/or author. While these real-world examples do not always adhere to strict style conventions and/or grammar rules, inconsistencies among passages should not detract from students’ ability to understand and respond to the writing task.

To view the passage “What Kind of Park,” click https://scoringguides.cambiumast.com.


S1 Student Sample: Score Point 4/4/2

“What kind of park?”

Your comunity should get a dog park. Why? First because there are many dog parks

needed. The second reason why is because everyone would enjoy a dog park. And last

you could get great exercise.

There are many dog parks needed. In fact 83.3 million dogs are in the United States.

Also dog parks are needed because without them dogs wouldn’t have any fun.It’s like us

having shool seven days a week with no weekend. The next reason why your comunity

should get a dog park is because everyone would enjoy a dog park.

Moms could sit on benches while there kids played. Grandmas and grandpas could sit

and watch the dogs run and play. Another reason why everyone would enjoy a dog park

is because they could ask questions to people who go to the dog park alot and ask them

qustions like:What does your dog mostly do or when are the other dogs most active? The

last reason that I want to tell you about why your comunity should get a dog park is you

can get lots of exercise.

How? You can run or ride a bike around the dog park and you can walk your dog or play

catch with your dog at the park to. You could also show your dog how to do the obstacle

course.You could do it and then your dog could copy what you did.You could run with

your dog and your dog won’t have to run with a leash! Those were some reasons why

your comunity should get a dog park.


1 Annotation: Score Point 4/4/2

4–Purpose/Focus/Organization

This response is fully sustained and consistently focused on the opinion that a dog park should be built. The opinion is stated clearly in the introduction (Your community should get a dog park. Why? First because there are many dog parks needed.) and the organizational structure is effective. There is a logical progression of ideas from beginning to end. Although the transitional strategies and conclusion are somewhat formulaic, the strong progression of ideas tightly focused on the opinion creates coherence and completeness.

4–Evidence/Elaboration

The response contains relevant evidence for the writer’s opinion that a dog park should be built. The writer includes the effective use of facts (In fact 83.3 million dogs are in the United States) and demonstrates understanding of the topic with relevant elaboration (Grandmas and grandpas could sit and watch the dogs run and play). The expression of ideas is clear and effective. The vocabulary is appropriate for an opinion essay (…without them dogs wouldn’t have any fun; like us having shool seven days a week with no weekend).

2–Conventions

Although minor errors exist, the response demonstrates an adequate command of basic conventions.



Would you like to have a birdwatching park in your community? I would. Some

people would like to have a bird watching park, some people would not. I think that it

would be a good idea to build a birdwatching park because you can learn about nature

when you watch birds, birdwatching can give you great exersize, and it is easy to build

birdwatching parks. Let me tell you why birdwatching parks are a good idea.

First, you can learn about nature when you watch birds. The article states, that you

can hear and see birds in a birdwatching park. A birdwatching park also protects a bird

and its habitat. For example, I would want to learn more about birds and nature because it

would make me more smart.

Next, birdwatching parks can give you great exersize. The author says, that you can

go walking or biking in birdwatching parks. Also, if you don’t want to watch the birds

you can still enjoy the park. For instance, I would like to ride my bike in a birdwatcing

park and it would give me good exersize.

Last, it is easy to build birdwatching parks. From my reading I know, that birdwatching

parks fit in the same space as other local parks. Also, it would take a shorter time to build

a birdwatching park. For example, I would like to build a birdwatching park if it was

so easy.

As you can see, it would be cool if you had a birdwatching park. First, you can

learn about nature when you watch birds. Next, birdwatching parks can give you great

exersize. And last, it is easy to build birdwatching parks. You should learn more about

birdwatching parks.


S2 Annotation: Score Point 4/4/2


The response is fully sustained and consistently focused on the task. The opinion is clearly stated (I think that it would be a good idea to build a birdwatching park…) and is strongly maintained throughout. Transitional strategies are used to clarify relationships among ideas (First, The article states, For example, Next, The author says, Also, For instance, As you can see), and there is a logical progression from beginning to end.


The writer uses effective elaborative techniques to demonstrate understanding of the topic and text. The support for the writer’s opinion includes facts (The article states, that you can hear and see birds in a birdwatching park. A birdwatching park also protects a bird and its habitat) and relevant details (I would like to ride my bike in a birdwatcing park and it would give me good exersize). There is a clear and effective expression of ideas.

2–Conventions

The response demonstrates an adequate command of basic conventions.



Park, park, park what kind of park? Some people think birdwatching parks are better

than dog parks. In my opinion, I think dog parks are better than birdwatching parks.

Dogs have fun. Birdwatching parks kind of just for birds, and birdwatchers. You have

a good time.

Dogs have fun. If, your at a dog park, your dog has fun. Your dog can meet other dogs

and they can play together. Just like people, your dog needs exercise, and a dog park is

just the right place. Dogs are probably not supposed to go to the birdwatching parks cause

they will scare the birds, but, dogs should be able to go anywhere they want. They’re

probably not having fun with that. Birds have all different places to go to get watched,

and dogs have very little places to play.

Birdwatching parks are made for birds and birdwatchers. Birdwatching parks are

made for all kinds of different birds. The problem is, what if people want to come to one

and they can not because, it’s a BIRDWATCHING PARK!!! Why would you want to be

a birdwatcher? All you do is sit and watch birds, birds, and more birds! In my opinion, I

think birdwatching parks should not even be invented. Why are birdwatching parks called

birdwatching parks? The birds don’t even play together.

You have a good time. You can have a good time at a dog park too. You can find

someone to talk to while your dog is playing in the park. You can also exercise, run, or

play with your dog. You and others could get new friends at a dog park. If, your lucky,

you can get a friend that could turn into your best friend. Then, you can play with one

another. You can play tag, and hide, and seek.

I think dog parks are better than birdwatching parks. Dogs have fun. Birdwatching

parks are made for birds, and for birdwatchers. You have a good time. We should build

more dog parks, and less birdwatching parks throughout our nation, and all other nations

in the world.


S3 Annotations: Score Point 3/3/2


The response is adequately sustained on the opinion that a dog park should be built (In my opinion, I think dog parks are better than birdwatching parks). Some loosely related material is present (Why are birdwatching parks called birdwatching parks? The birds don’t even play together. You have a good time) and this weakens the focus on the task. However, the progression of ideas is adequate, and the introduction and conclusion are strong.


Although some of the evidence is imprecise and inconsistent (Birdwatching parks are kind of just for birds, and birdwatchers. You have a good time), it is, at other points, integrated and acts as support for the writer’s opinion that dog parks are abetter choice for the community (You can find someone to talk to while your dog is playing in the park. You can also exercise, run, or play with your dog). Overall, the response has vocabulary appropriate for the audience and purpose

and a varied sentence structure (If your lucky, you can get a friend that could turn into your best friend).

2–Conventions

The response demonstrates an adequate command of basic conventions.


S4 Student Sample : Score Point 3/3/2

I read two informational texts one was called ‘’Birdwatching Parks’’ it was about how

people can look and listen to different kinds of birds in a birdwatching park.The next one

was called ‘’Dog Parks’’ it was about how dog parks are a place where dogs can run and

play off leash. I think we should have a dog park in our community because we need a

place where dogs can run off leash. In the book it said there are 83.3 million dogs in the

United States thats a lot of dogs just in my community, So we should have a dog park in

my community. A dog park is a place where dogs can communicate and meet other dogs.

Sometimes a dog park can test your dogs ability with an obstacle course that sometimes

has a ramp some ropes that they can climb under and much more. Now you know why

I think we should have a dog park in our community it can give your dog exercise it can

test their ability and best of all they can have fun.




The response has an opinion and evident organizational structure with a sense of completeness. The introduction is weak (I read two informational texts one was called…) but the writer eventually gets to a clear opinion in the third sentence (I think we should have a dog park in our community because we need a place where dogs can run off leash). The transitional strategies are adequate.


The response provides evidence for the writer’s opinion that includes facts and details (In the book it said there are 83.3 million dogs in the United States…, Sometimes a dog park can test your dogs ability with an obstacle course…). There is an adequate expression of ideas and use of audience appropriate vocabulary (A dog park is a place where dogs can communicate and meet other dogs).

2–Conventions

Although sentence formation errors are present, the response demonstrates an adequate command of basic conventions.



More bird watching parks should be built. One reson is it is a good place for birds to

live. It’s a nice and quit place so you can ride your bike. It’s a nice way to see nature too.

Like birds, insects and flowers. It’s also good for some people to do ther talent. Exaple;

birdwatching,and bikers. That’s why more birdwatching parks should be built.




Although brief, the response is sustained within the purpose, audience, and task. The introduction and conclusion are evident (More bird watching parks should be built. That’s why more birdwatching parks should be built) and a lean progression of ideas exists (It’s a nice way to see nature too. Like birds, insects, and flowers).


The response provides cursory support/evidence for the writer’s opinion. The expression of ideas is simplistic, however, it does contain some elaboration (It’s also good for some people to do ther talent. Exaple; birdwatching, and bikers).

1–Conventions

Despite errors in spelling, the response demonstrates an adequate command of basic conventions.



There are many parks.Some are used far walking dogs,or maybe there used for playing.

But have you ever thought that its kind of weird that there are ways how to use a park

properly,I have.For example if your doing a jog in a dog park you can trip over a playing

dog.Well, enough talk about dog parks.Lets move on to birdwatching parks,in my opinion

they are the most fascinating kind of park,and my reason is this if your a birdwatcher and

kids ask you how a special kind of bird looks you can just show them instead of telling

them what the bird looks like because I think birds are quit pleasant.Plus bird parks can

also help with science.The way how they can help is this if scientists are having difficulties

finding a specific thing about a bird and the bird is available to be watched at a bird park it

maybe could help science in a very enourmaus way.Those are my reasons why bird park in

my and maybe your opinion I enjoy bird parks.




The response is somewhat sustained within the purpose, audience, and task. The writer does take the opinion that birdwatching parks are preferable and there is a discernible organizational structure. The transitional strategies are somewhat uneven (But have you ever thought that its kind of weird that there are ways how to use a park properly, I have. For example if your doing a jog in a dog park you can trip over a playing dog. Well enough talk about dog parks). The introduction and conclusion exist but are a bit confusing.


The response provides uneven support/evidence for the writer’s opinion (Plus bird parks can also help with science. The way how they can help is this if scientists are having difficulties finding a specific thing about a bird and the bird is available to be watched at a bird park it maybe could help science in a very enourmaus way). The elaborative technique is weak, yet somewhat effective.

2–Conventions

The response contains some minor errors in usage and there are some sentence formation errors. However, the response demonstrates an adequate command of basic conventions.



in my opinion we need more birdwatcher parks in our community!

First I think it would be fun to be in a birdwatcher park.

Next We need to study birds more!

Last but not lest birds are one of the best singers on the plaint dont you wont to here?

in conclusion know do you see why we need birdwatcher parks?

would you like to go to a birdwatcher park?




This skeletal response remains focused on the opinion that birdwatching parks are needed in the community. There is an introduction and conclusion with three brief reasons in between. The reasons (it would be fun, we need to study birds more, birds are one of the best singers on the plaint) are presented with transition words (First, Next, Last but not lest), but could be presented in any order without changing the meaning of the essay.


The response contains cursory support for the writer’s opinion that includes ineffective use of sources, facts, and details. The reader is left wanting more in the way of evidence and elaboration.

1–Conventions

The response demonstrates a partial command of basic conventions. There are errors in usage, capitalization, sentence formation and spelling.



what kind of park? flowers and trees grow. kids and gronups play at the park. people take

piochers and wock ther dogs.




The response is related to the topic but demonstrates little awareness of the purpose and task. The opinion is ambiguous (flowers and trees grow. kids and gronups play at the park. people take piochers and wock ther dogs). There are no transitional strategies. It is too brief to demonstrate focus or organization. The conclusion is absent.


The response provides minimal evidence from the source material. The expression of ideas is confusing. The sentences are simple.

1–Conventions

The response contains errors in sentence formation and spelling as well as a pattern of capitalization errors.



I thek we shod hav porks so we kan hav fun.and eksrsis.and for brd wotchrs . and her brds

you kan lern abawt dogs at dog porks. you kan go to the brd pork to her the brds.




The response is related to the topic (I thek we shod hav porks), but demonstrates no awareness of the purpose, audience, or task. It has no discernible opinion as it discusses both birdwatchers and learning about dogs. There are no transitional strategies evident and there is no conclusion.


The response provides minimal support and evidence from the source material. The expression of ideas is unclear. The sentence constructions are simplistic and confusing.

0–Conventions

The response demonstrates a lack of command of conventions, with frequent and severe errors often obscuring meaning.


S10 Student Sample: Score Point 0

They have picnic areas. They have to decide which type of parks they are going to build.

There are parks for people who want to walk their dog.

In these parks you can see the birds the way they are in nature. Watching the birds is a

great way to learn about nature. They fit in the same space as their other local parks.

There are dog parks in the woods. Just like people, dogs need to exercise to be

healthy. Dog parks also give dogs a chance to play with other dog. There are about

83.3 million dogs.


S10 Annotation: Score Point 0

The response consists of copied text and does not contain sufficient original writing to demonstrate understanding of the source materials or task. Sentences 1-3 come from passage 1. Sentences 4-6 come from passage 2 and the remaining four sentences come from passage 3.

writing scoring guide grade 3€¦ · grade 3 writing scoring guide 1 annotation: score point 4/4/2...

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