Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

How is the FCAT writing test scored?

1. 0-10 scale

2. 1-6 scale

3. 1-100 scale

4. A, B, C grading scale

The correct answer is: 1-6 scale

The FCAT writing test is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 6. This scoring method is designed to evaluate a student's writing ability based on specific criteria, including ideas and content, organization, and language use. Each paper is read by trained scorers who assess these aspects and assign a score that reflects the quality of the writing. A score of 1 indicates inadequate writing, while a score of 6 demonstrates exemplary writing that meets the established standards. This scoring scale allows for a more nuanced and detailed evaluation of writing skills compared to broader or less specific scales, such as a 0-10 or 1-100 scale. The A, B, C grading scale typically represents letter grades, which do not apply to the scoring mechanism of the FCAT writing test. Therefore, the use of the 1-6 scale precisely captures students' writing proficiency and provides concrete feedback on their performance.