About the Criterion® Service

The Criterion® Online Writing Evaluation service is a web-based application that provides faculty, writing instructors and administrators at community colleges, universities and other institutions of higher education with a reliable writing assessment tool for their students. Students draft and submit essays and receive immediate feedback in the form of a holistic score and diagnostic annotations within each essay that guide writing instruction.

Using the Criterion Service

The Criterion service provides an effective initial evaluation of student skill levels, allowing instructors to benchmark writing, make placement decisions, adjust instruction and track progress.

• Faculty: The Criterion service supports instruction by providing faculty with online, real-time access to faculty-specific writing assignments. With a variety of topics to select from, the Criterion service is a learning tool that does not increase workload and adds value to writing instruction by providing a teachable moment.
• Students: The Criterion service provides instant diagnostic feedback and real-time scores on essay submissions to help students improve skills and build confidence. Students can rewrite their essays using feedback they receive online from both the Criterion service and their writing professors.

How Does the Criterion Service Work?

The Criterion service is powered by e-rater® automated scoring technology to provide students with immediate scoring and diagnostic feedback on essays they submit.

• Holistic Scores are based on nationally recognized standards.
• Trait Feedback Analysis focuses on grammar, usage and mechanics; style; and organization and development. This analysis provides both a summary and an in-depth analysis of errors in an effort to pinpoint areas that require attention.