Middle School Social Studies (0089)

This section presents sample questions and responses along with the standards used in scoring the responses. When you read these sample responses, keep in mind that they will be less polished than if they had been developed at home, edited, and carefully presented. Examinees do not know what questions will be asked and must decide, on the spot, how to respond. Readers take these circumstances into account when scoring the responses.

Readers will assign scores based on the following scoring guide.

Scoring Guide

Score	Description
3	Shows a thorough understanding of the stimulus (where appropriate) Provides an accurate and complete response Provides the analysis required by the question Applies appropriate subject matter knowledge May contain minor errors
2	Shows an adequate understanding of the stimulus (where appropriate) Provides a mostly accurate and complete response Provides most of the analysis required by the question Applies mostly appropriate subject matter knowledge May contain significant errors
1	Shows little understanding of the stimulus (where appropriate) Provides a basically inaccurate and incomplete response Provides little of the analysis required by the question Applies mostly inappropriate subject matter knowledge
0	A totally or almost completely incorrect response; or simply rephrases the question