A somewhat complex and purposeful argument or analysis that defends,
challenges, or qualifies a position utilizing a mature prose style. 90. 6. An
adequate ...
AP Language & Composition Writing Rubric
Needs Improvement
Adequate
Effective
Descriptor
AP Score
Details
Grade
9
An especially sophisticated argument or analysis that defends, challenges, or qualifies a position featuring impressive use of language
100
8
An effective argument or analysis that defends, challenges, or qualifies a position demonstrating a consistent ability to control a wide range of the elements of writing
95
7
A somewhat complex and purposeful argument or analysis that defends, challenges, or qualifies a position utilizing a mature prose style
90
6
An adequate argument or analysis that defends, challenges, or qualifies a position through a clear prose style with some lapses in diction or syntax
85
5
An uneven, inconsistent, or somewhat limited argument or analysis that defends, challenges, or qualifies a position with a prose style that generally communicates the writer’s ideas, though with lapses in diction or syntax
80
4
An inadequate argument or analysis with little consistency in the control of the elements of effective writing
75
3
A less successful (than score point 4) argument or analysis
70
2
An argument or analysis that has little success
REDO
1
An especially simplistic or weak argument or analysis
REDO
0
Merely repeats the prompt or otherwise demonstrates no success in demonstrating the elements of effective writing
