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TOWL-4

Supplemental
Practice Scoring
Booklet

Donald D. Hammill and Stephen C. Larsen

This Supplemental Practice Scoring Booklet provides the examiner with an opportunity
to practice scoring 10 sample stories for Subtests 6 and 7. It consists of (a) 10 sample sto-
ries, (b) a scoring key for each story, and (c) a blank Practice Story Scoring Form. These
materials can be photocopied for training purposes. (Note. The Story Composition sub-
test should be scored according to adult standards for composition rather than age or
grade standards.) Do not attempt to score Subtests 6 and 7 if the student’s story contains
fewer than 40 words. Do not attempt to score Subtests 6 and 7 until you have practiced
scoring the 10 samples in this supplemental booklet and have obtained the same scores
as are provided in the scoring keys.

Instructions:

1. Make 10 photocopies of the blank Practice Story Scoring Form (the back

page of this booklet). If more than one examiner is going to use these prac-
tice items, you might want to photocopy the sample stories, too.

2. Read the first story.
3. In the space provided at the bottom of the Practice Story Scoring Form,

record the story number and the student’s name (e.g., Story 1: David).

4. Score the story using the instructions printed in the blank Practice Story

Scoring Form.

5. Compare your scoring to that found in the scoring key for Story 1: David.

Making these comparisons will help you calibrate your scoring to that in
the scoring keys.

6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for each of the 10 sample stories.



Story 1: David

Addy was doing her first day of driving school today. It started out
smooth but then a dog jumped out in the street. She swirved and hit
the fire hydrent. A man whistled and the dog ran tward him. Addy
pointed and said “Sir, your dog made me hit the fire hydrent.” The man
spoke “Oh Cassie (the dog) didn’t mean any harm. She just got away
from me.” “Well, you do have a leash.” Addy said. He said “I will start
using it from now on.”

© 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. 3
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Story 2: Danielle

one day the sun was out and it was a hot day! Sally the mother of two
childrin Molly & Tod. she was takeing Molly & Tod to go swimming! then
when Sally turns on the t.v. and sees a storm is coming to the fishing
rod villeg that is where Sally lives! Soon Sally sees litning and a very
loud thunder comes and the rain came then a fire.
The pepoel that lived acros the street called the pollice to come! Hurry!
Hurry! They said. The men came and brout hoeses and tried to put out
the fire. They did they all wer so happy.

4 © 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc.
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Story 3: Gabby

It was Sunday afternoon. Joe stepped out into the crisp fall air and
followed his teacher to the white Ford waiting at the curb. He opened
the door, sat down and clutched the steering wheel with sweaty palms.
“Let’s begin,” Ms. Smith said. Slowly and causiously, Joe put the car in
drive and pushed down on the accelerater.

Joe successfully parallel parked, stopped at stop lights, and
crossed intersections. He could just imagine stepping out of the car to
get his liscense. “Congradulations,” Ms. Smith said blankly, “you have
passed.” Just as Joe looked over at Ms. Smith, out of the corner of his
eye he saw a dog run into the middle of the street. He swervd, missed
the dog only by inches, and slammed into a fire hydrent.

As the police pulled onto the scene Joe tried to calm himself.
“Oh, thank goodness. you’re here!” Ms. Smith cried “this boy just tried
to kill me!” “What!?” Joe spluttered.
The police officer

© 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. 5
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Story 4: Jonathan

The house on FIRE
It was liteting. A house got on fire. a mom call 9-1-1. The fire

figts show up. to get the dog and bird. The man comes out. The fire
fghter put out the fire. after te stome the polic figred out the stome
coused the fire. none got hurt. so the little twon went back to noumle.
The End

6 © 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc.
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Story 5: Marcus

Driving Disaster

The car with student driver drove up in Jake’s driveway. He
couldn’t beleve that today was the day of his driving test.

Jake hopped in the car and they were off. Jake turned the
corners of his street and pulled out of his neighborhood.

Jake was driving like he had been doing it his whole life. The
driving teacher was so amazed. He was doing so great!

Finally it was time for the test to end. Jake pulled in his street
feeling confident and with the feeling that he had passed.

As Jake turned the corner he saw Sparky and his owner, Brian.
Jake tried to wave and drive with one hand but he lost control.
He swerved and crashed into a fire hydrint.
Jake jumped out of the car when his friend came to meet him.
Brian said, “Did my dog mess up your test?”
“Of course not!” Jake replied. The driving teacher said that
she would see him again and not to worry. Next time, he would not
have an accident.

© 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. 7
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Story 6: Jasmine

A Day Gone Wrong
Jane was watching her kids play in the yard. It was sunny day

and her neighbors were outside mowing lawns, walking dogs, or playing
ball. It seemed like the perfect day.

All of a sudden, a storm cloud shadowed over the streets. Jane
called her kids inside and they began to prepare for the thunderstorm.
The sky got darker, but it did not start to rain. However, they heard
thunder and saw flashes of lightning. An awful storm was coming, Jane
feared.

Suddenly, Jane looked outside and saw people running in panic.
She heard their screams, so she ran outside with her kids following her.
She saw that one of her neighbor’s trees had caught on fire. People
were rushing over with hoses and Jane dialed 9-1-1.

The fire department arrived and they put out the fire. The
storm changed to a light rain, and the sky cleared. The sun showed
its warm welcoming face, and a rainbow appeared as the neighborhood
gathered around the smoky tree. Everyone was safe and that was the
most important thing.

8 © 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc.
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Story 7: Luke

crash!
A studdent driver named Brush was drivig down purple medows
stret geting 100. Then a dog named J.O. run out in frount of him and
Brush tried to doge J.O. but Brush hit a fire hydrget and water spilid.
The owner of J.O. call 911. The police got Ther She looked at the
damage and Brush went to the owner. He

© 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. 9
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Story 8: JD

It was a stomy night and there was a streek of ligting it hit a tree and it
got on fire they all ran in the car and drove up to the side of the stret
and got out and ran on a hill and called the fire departement they came
and put the fire out a nabor came and said is that yor house yes and
then affter it was over they went back.

10 © 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc.
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Story 9: Natasha

ons upan time thar was a studdint. there wir a grll. and a boy. The boy
was tacing a Driver test. But he crsst into a fir hdint. Thay calld the
ples. She gav him a ticcit his frind was ther he had a dog. The DRIVER
ED thcher was unahappy. his frined was unhappey too. the dog was Just
siting. he wached the wasr. The boy that was Driveing was sad. Allneer
git my Drives lisins erer. The end.

© 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. 11
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Story 10: Albert

“the fier”
The tree is on fier. the man runs. she ws on the fon. Threr dog and brd
too. the gril saw her mom to. he trde to get the dog to. men ran to the
hause thay had the watrhoes and pute it on the fier. The litnig ws skary.
She ws skared.

12 © 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc.
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.

Scoring Key for 10 Sample Stories

14 © 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. Section 5. Story Scoring (Note. The Story Composition subtest should be scored according to adult standards for composition rather than age or grade standards.)
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.
Subtest 6. Contextual Conventions Subtest 7. Story Composition
Item Scoring Criteria
Score Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score

21. Sentences begin with a capital letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112. Run-on/Rambling sentence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. Story beginning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 ϭ 3 or more mistakes 0 ϭ yes 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ no
1 ϭ 1–2 mistakes or printed in all capital letters 1 ϭ serviceable, somewhat interesting

2 ϭ no mistakes 13. Compound sentences - Two complete sentences connected by a 12 ϭ grabbing, exceptionally engaging

02. Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2conjunction, colon, or semicolon; both sentences must have a subject 2. Definitely refers to a specific event occurring before or after the picture . . . . . . . . . .

(Clearly indicates paragraphs with indentations or spaces between) and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ no

0 ϭ none, 1 2 ϭ 3–4 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 2–3 11 ϭ yes

1ϭ 2 3 ϭ 5 or more 1 ϭ 1 3 ϭ 4 or more 3. Story sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13. Uses quotation marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Uses coordinating conjunctions other than and (but, or, not, for, yet, so) 0 ϭ a series of random, disjointed, or rambling statements

Must have both opening and closing quotation marks. Ex: “You saw him.” It was very “retro.” 1when forming compound sentences; count each conjunction only once. 1 ϭ has some sequence

0 ϭ no Ex: I ran but he caught me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ϭ moves smoothly and coherently from start to finish
1 ϭ yes
0 ϭ no 4. Plot (storyline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
04. Uses comma to set off a direct quotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ 1–2 0 ϭ uninteresting, dull, flat

Ex: Mary said, “Hello.” Mary said “, Hello.” 02 ϭ 3 or more 1 ϭ interesting, logical, acceptable

0 ϭ no 15. Introductory phrases and clauses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 ϭ intriguing, well-crafted

1 ϭ yes 1 Two or more words introducing a sentence; need not be set off 5. Characters show feelings/emotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5. Correctly uses an apostrophe at least once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by a comma. Ex: Of course… When I look back… 0 ϭ no

Ex: can’t, the dog’s, students’ 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 3–5 1 ϭ some mild or subtle emotion (upset, smiling, laughing, excited, happy)

21 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ no 3 ϭ more than 5 12 ϭ strong emotion evident in at least one character (anger, love, terror, ecstasy)

1 ϭ yes 16. Noun–verb disagreements. Ex: They was running. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Story action or energy level (pace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

06. Uses a question mark ( ? ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ more than one error 0 ϭ plodding, stumbling, none

(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ 1 error 1 ϭ interesting, sustained

0 ϭ no 12 ϭ perfect, no errors 12 ϭ exciting, compelling, exceptional

1 ϭ yes 17. Sentences in paragraph(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Story ending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

07. Uses an exclamation point ( ! ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 1 paragraph, 1 sentence 0 ϭ abrupt, weak

(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ 1 paragraph, 2 or more sentences 1 ϭ logical, definite ending

0 ϭ no 2 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 1 paragraph 12 ϭ clever, inventive

1 ϭ yes 13 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 2 paragraphs 8. Writing style is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28. Capitalizes proper nouns including those in story’s title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18. Sentence composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ immature, dull, undistinguished

Ex: Chevy, Mr. Jones, Elm Street 0 ϭ many badly constructed sentences 1 ϭ serviceable, matter-of-fact

1 ϭ mostly simple sentences with some introductory and concluding phrases 12 ϭ artful, stylish, exceptional

0 ϭ no or uses no proper nouns 2 ϭ a variety of well-constructed compound and complex sentences 9. Story is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 ϭ sometimes or printed in all capital letters 119. Number of correctly spelled words having seven or more letters (count a 0 ϭ immature; merely describes picture
word only once); an apostrophe counts as a letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ always clearly indicates upper-case 1 ϭ straightforward, coherent, interesting

19. Number of nonduplicated mispelled words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–3 2 ϭ 8–14 12 ϭ engaging, unique, grabbing
1 ϭ 4–7 3 ϭ 15 or more
0 ϭ 6 or more 10. Story vocabulary - one point for each of the 14 choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 ϭ 3–5 020. Number of words with three syllables or more that are spelled correctly 0 ϭ 0–3
(count a word only once) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ 0–2 1 ϭ 4–7

110. Uses asterisk, ellipse, hyphen, parentheses, brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–2 12 ϭ 8 or more items
1 ϭ 3–4
*… - () [] 11. Overall vocabulary used in story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(need not be used correctly) 12 ϭ 5 or more
0 ϭ sparse, immature
0 ϭ no 21. Uses a and an appropriately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 1 ϭ serviceable, adequate, competent
0 ϭ uses neither a nor an 2 ϭ rich, mature, figurative 10Total Raw Score
1 ϭ uses a appropriately at least once
11. Fragmentary sentence - Usually a sentence without both a subject 2 ϭ uses an appropriately at least once 19Total Raw Score Form A (accident) Form B (storm)

1and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . street/road dog (or specific breed) grass/yard/backyard lightning
car/SUV/truck leash fence/sidewalk/hydrant rain/rainstorm/storm
Ex: When I saw the dog. Looking happy and rested. license plate sidewalk/grass house/houses/window hose/water hose
police car dog’s owner tree/fire/flames/burning cell phone/woman
0 ϭ yes hydrant student driver/driver dog/leash/cat boy/girl
1 ϭ no water police officer/man/woman birdcage/bird car(s)/auto(s)
driver’s ed instructor/teacher ticket/police report cloud/storm cloud people/man/men/neighbors

David - Story 1 Scoring Key

© 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. Section 5. Story Scoring (Note. The Story Composition subtest should be scored according to adult standards for composition rather than age or grade standards.)
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.
Subtest 6. Contextual Conventions Subtest 7. Story Composition
Item Scoring Criteria
Score Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score

01. Sentences begin with a capital letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 012. Run-on/Rambling sentence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. Story beginning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 ϭ 3 or more mistakes 0 ϭ yes 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ no
1 ϭ 1–2 mistakes or printed in all capital letters 1 ϭ serviceable, somewhat interesting

2 ϭ no mistakes 13. Compound sentences - Two complete sentences connected by a 12 ϭ grabbing, exceptionally engaging

12. Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1conjunction, colon, or semicolon; both sentences must have a subject 2. Definitely refers to a specific event occurring before or after the picture . . . . . . . . . .

(Clearly indicates paragraphs with indentations or spaces between) and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ no

0 ϭ none, 1 2 ϭ 3–4 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 2–3 11 ϭ yes

1ϭ 2 3 ϭ 5 or more 1 ϭ 1 3 ϭ 4 or more 3. Story sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03. Uses quotation marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Uses coordinating conjunctions other than and (but, or, not, for, yet, so) 0 ϭ a series of random, disjointed, or rambling statements

Must have both opening and closing quotation marks. Ex: “You saw him.” It was very “retro.” 0when forming compound sentences; count each conjunction only once. 1 ϭ has some sequence

0 ϭ no Ex: I ran but he caught me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ϭ moves smoothly and coherently from start to finish
1 ϭ yes
0 ϭ no 4. Plot (storyline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
04. Uses comma to set off a direct quotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ 1–2 0 ϭ uninteresting, dull, flat

Ex: Mary said, “Hello.” Mary said “, Hello.” 12 ϭ 3 or more 1 ϭ interesting, logical, acceptable

0 ϭ no 15. Introductory phrases and clauses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ϭ intriguing, well-crafted
1 ϭ yes
Two or more words introducing a sentence; need not be set off 5. Characters show feelings/emotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
05. Correctly uses an apostrophe at least once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
by a comma. Ex: Of course… When I look back… 0 ϭ no

Ex: can’t, the dog’s, students’ 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 3–5 1 ϭ some mild or subtle emotion (upset, smiling, laughing, excited, happy)

21 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ no 3 ϭ more than 5 12 ϭ strong emotion evident in at least one character (anger, love, terror, ecstasy)

1 ϭ yes 16. Noun–verb disagreements. Ex: They was running. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Story action or energy level (pace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

06. Uses a question mark ( ? ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ more than one error 0 ϭ plodding, stumbling, none

(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ 1 error 1 ϭ interesting, sustained

0 ϭ no 32 ϭ perfect, no errors 12 ϭ exciting, compelling, exceptional

1 ϭ yes 17. Sentences in paragraph(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Story ending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17. Uses an exclamation point ( ! ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 1 paragraph, 1 sentence 0 ϭ abrupt, weak

(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ 1 paragraph, 2 or more sentences 1 ϭ logical, definite ending

0 ϭ no 2 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 1 paragraph 12 ϭ clever, inventive

1 ϭ yes 03 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 2 paragraphs 8. Writing style is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28. Capitalizes proper nouns including those in story’s title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18. Sentence composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ immature, dull, undistinguished

Ex: Chevy, Mr. Jones, Elm Street 0 ϭ many badly constructed sentences 1 ϭ serviceable, matter-of-fact

1 ϭ mostly simple sentences with some introductory and concluding phrases 12 ϭ artful, stylish, exceptional

0 ϭ no or uses no proper nouns 2 ϭ a variety of well-constructed compound and complex sentences 9. Story is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 ϭ sometimes or printed in all capital letters 019. Number of correctly spelled words having seven or more letters (count a 0 ϭ immature; merely describes picture
word only once); an apostrophe counts as a letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ always clearly indicates upper-case 1 ϭ straightforward, coherent, interesting

09. Number of nonduplicated mispelled words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–3 2 ϭ 8–14 12 ϭ engaging, unique, grabbing

0 ϭ 6 or more 1 ϭ 4–7 3 ϭ 15 or more 10. Story vocabulary - one point for each of the 14 choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 ϭ 3–5 020. Number of words with three syllables or more that are spelled correctly 0 ϭ 0–3
(count a word only once) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ 0–2 1 ϭ 4–7

010. Uses asterisk, ellipse, hyphen, parentheses, brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–2 12 ϭ 8 or more items

*… - () [] 1 ϭ 3–4 11. Overall vocabulary used in story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(need not be used correctly)
12 ϭ 5 or more 0 ϭ sparse, immature
0 ϭ no
1 ϭ yes 21. Uses a and an appropriately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ serviceable, adequate, competent
2 ϭ rich, mature, figurative
0 ϭ uses neither a nor an 11Total Raw Score

11. Fragmentary sentence - Usually a sentence without both a subject 1 ϭ uses a appropriately at least once 12Total Raw Score Form A (accident) Form B (storm)
2 ϭ uses an appropriately at least once
0and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
street/road dog (or specific breed) grass/yard/backyard lightning
Ex: When I saw the dog. Looking happy and rested. car/SUV/truck leash fence/sidewalk/hydrant rain/rainstorm/storm
license plate sidewalk/grass house/houses/window hose/water hose
0 ϭ yes police car dog’s owner tree/fire/flames/burning cell phone/woman
1 ϭ no hydrant student driver/driver dog/leash/cat boy/girl
water police officer/man/woman birdcage/bird car(s)/auto(s)
driver’s ed instructor/teacher ticket/police report cloud/storm cloud people/man/men/neighbors

15 Danielle - Story 2 Scoring Key

16 © 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. Section 5. Story Scoring (Note. The Story Composition subtest should be scored according to adult standards for composition rather than age or grade standards.)
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.
Subtest 6. Contextual Conventions Subtest 7. Story Composition

Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score

21. Sentences begin with a capital letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12. Run-on/Rambling sentence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 11. Story beginning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 ϭ 3 or more mistakes 0 ϭ yes 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ no
1 ϭ 1–2 mistakes or printed in all capital letters 1 ϭ serviceable, somewhat interesting

2 ϭ no mistakes 13. Compound sentences - Two complete sentences connected by a 12 ϭ grabbing, exceptionally engaging

22. Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0conjunction, colon, or semicolon; both sentences must have a subject 2. Definitely refers to a specific event occurring before or after the picture . . . . . . . . . .

(Clearly indicates paragraphs with indentations or spaces between) and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ no

0 ϭ none, 1 2 ϭ 3–4 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 2–3 21 ϭ yes

1ϭ 2 3 ϭ 5 or more 1 ϭ 1 3 ϭ 4 or more 3. Story sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13. Uses quotation marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Uses coordinating conjunctions other than and (but, or, not, for, yet, so) 0 ϭ a series of random, disjointed, or rambling statements

Must have both opening and closing quotation marks. Ex: “You saw him.” It was very “retro.” 0when forming compound sentences; count each conjunction only once. 1 ϭ has some sequence

0 ϭ no Ex: I ran but he caught me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ϭ moves smoothly and coherently from start to finish
1 ϭ yes
0 ϭ no 4. Plot (storyline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Uses comma to set off a direct quotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ uninteresting, dull, flat
22 ϭ 3 or more
Ex: Mary said, “Hello.” Mary said “, Hello.” 1 ϭ interesting, logical, acceptable 1
15. Introductory phrases and clauses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ϭ intriguing, well-crafted
0 ϭ no
Two or more words introducing a sentence; need not be set off 5. Characters show feelings/emotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes
by a comma. Ex: Of course… When I look back… 0 ϭ no
15. Correctly uses an apostrophe at least once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 3–5 1 ϭ some mild or subtle emotion (upset, smiling, laughing, excited, happy)
Ex: can’t, the dog’s, students’
3 ϭ more than 5
0 ϭ no 21 ϭ 1–2 22 ϭ strong emotion evident in at least one character (anger, love, terror, ecstasy)
16. Noun–verb disagreements. Ex: They was running. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 6. Story action or energy level (pace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16. Uses a question mark ( ? ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ more than one error 0 ϭ plodding, stumbling, none
1 ϭ 1 error
(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ interesting, sustained
32 ϭ perfect, no errors
0 ϭ no 02 ϭ exciting, compelling, exceptional
17. Sentences in paragraph(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 7. Story ending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17. Uses an exclamation point ( ! ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 1 paragraph, 1 sentence 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ 1 paragraph, 2 or more sentences
(need not be used correctly) 2 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 1 paragraph 1 ϭ logical, definite ending
3 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 2 paragraphs
0 ϭ no 1 22 ϭ clever, inventive
18. Sentence composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 8. Writing style is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28. Capitalizes proper nouns including those in story’s title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ immature, dull, undistinguished

Ex: Chevy, Mr. Jones, Elm Street 0 ϭ many badly constructed sentences 1 ϭ serviceable, matter-of-fact
1 ϭ mostly simple sentences with some introductory and concluding phrases
0 ϭ no or uses no proper nouns 2 ϭ a variety of well-constructed compound and complex sentences 12 ϭ artful, stylish, exceptional

1 ϭ sometimes or printed in all capital letters 319. Number of correctly spelled words having seven or more letters (count a 9. Story is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
word only once); an apostrophe counts as a letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ always clearly indicates upper-case 0 ϭ immature; merely describes picture

09. Number of nonduplicated mispelled words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ straightforward, coherent, interesting

0 ϭ 6 or more 0 ϭ 0–3 2 ϭ 8–14 12 ϭ engaging, unique, grabbing
1 ϭ 4–7 3 ϭ 15 or more
10. Story vocabulary - one point for each of the 14 choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ 3–5 220. Number of words with three syllables or more that are spelled correctly
(count a word only once) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–3
2 ϭ 0–2
0 ϭ 0–2 1 ϭ 4–7 1
010. Uses asterisk, ellipse, hyphen, parentheses, brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ 3–4 2 ϭ 8 or more items
2 ϭ 5 or more
* … - () [] 1 11. Overall vocabulary used in story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(need not be used correctly) 21. Uses a and an appropriately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ sparse, immature
0 ϭ no
1 ϭ yes 0 ϭ uses neither a nor an 1 ϭ serviceable, adequate, competent 13Total Raw Score
1 ϭ uses a appropriately at least once 2 ϭ rich, mature, figurative
11. Fragmentary sentence - Usually a sentence without both a subject 2 ϭ uses an appropriately at least once
26Total Raw Score Form A (accident) Form B (storm)
0and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
street/road dog (or specific breed) grass/yard/backyard lightning
Ex: When I saw the dog. Looking happy and rested. car/SUV/truck leash fence/sidewalk/hydrant rain/rainstorm/storm
0 ϭ yes license plate sidewalk/grass house/houses/window hose/water hose
1 ϭ no police car dog’s owner tree/fire/flames/burning cell phone/woman
hydrant student driver/driver dog/leash/cat boy/girl
water police officer/man/woman birdcage/bird car(s)/auto(s)
driver’s ed instructor/teacher ticket/police report cloud/storm cloud people/man/men/neighbors

Gabby - Story 3 Scoring Key

© 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. Section 5. Story Scoring (Note. The Story Composition subtest should be scored according to adult standards for composition rather than age or grade standards.)
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.
Subtest 6. Contextual Conventions Subtest 7. Story Composition

Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score

01. Sentences begin with a capital letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112. Run-on/Rambling sentence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. Story beginning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 ϭ 3 or more mistakes 0 ϭ yes 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ no
1 ϭ 1–2 mistakes or printed in all capital letters 1 ϭ serviceable, somewhat interesting

2 ϭ no mistakes 13. Compound sentences - Two complete sentences connected by a 12 ϭ grabbing, exceptionally engaging

02. Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0conjunction, colon, or semicolon; both sentences must have a subject 2. Definitely refers to a specific event occurring before or after the picture . . . . . . . . . .

(Clearly indicates paragraphs with indentations or spaces between) and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ no

0 ϭ none, 1 2 ϭ 3–4 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 2–3 01 ϭ yes

1ϭ 2 3 ϭ 5 or more 1 ϭ 1 3 ϭ 4 or more 3. Story sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03. Uses quotation marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Uses coordinating conjunctions other than and (but, or, not, for, yet, so) 0 ϭ a series of random, disjointed, or rambling statements

Must have both opening and closing quotation marks. Ex: “You saw him.” It was very “retro.” 0when forming compound sentences; count each conjunction only once. 1 ϭ has some sequence

0 ϭ no Ex: I ran but he caught me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 ϭ moves smoothly and coherently from start to finish
1 ϭ yes
0 ϭ no 4. Plot (storyline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
04. Uses comma to set off a direct quotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ uninteresting, dull, flat
12 ϭ 3 or more
Ex: Mary said, “Hello.” Mary said “, Hello.” 1 ϭ interesting, logical, acceptable
15. Introductory phrases and clauses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ no 02 ϭ intriguing, well-crafted
Two or more words introducing a sentence; need not be set off
1 ϭ yes 5. Characters show feelings/emotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

05. Correctly uses an apostrophe at least once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by a comma. Ex: Of course… When I look back… 0 ϭ no

Ex: can’t, the dog’s, students’ 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 3–5 1 ϭ some mild or subtle emotion (upset, smiling, laughing, excited, happy)

11 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ no 3 ϭ more than 5 02 ϭ strong emotion evident in at least one character (anger, love, terror, ecstasy)

1 ϭ yes 16. Noun–verb disagreements. Ex: They was running. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Story action or energy level (pace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

06. Uses a question mark ( ? ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ more than one error 0 ϭ plodding, stumbling, none
1 ϭ 1 error
(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ interesting, sustained
12 ϭ perfect, no errors
0 ϭ no 12 ϭ exciting, compelling, exceptional
17. Sentences in paragraph(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 7. Story ending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ 1 paragraph, 1 sentence
07. Uses an exclamation point ( ! ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ 1 paragraph, 2 or more sentences 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
2 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 1 paragraph
(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ logical, definite ending
03 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 2 paragraphs
0 ϭ no 02 ϭ clever, inventive
18. Sentence composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 8. Writing style is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18. Capitalizes proper nouns including those in story’s title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ immature, dull, undistinguished

Ex: Chevy, Mr. Jones, Elm Street 0 ϭ many badly constructed sentences 1 ϭ serviceable, matter-of-fact
1 ϭ mostly simple sentences with some introductory and concluding phrases
0 ϭ no or uses no proper nouns 2 ϭ a variety of well-constructed compound and complex sentences 02 ϭ artful, stylish, exceptional

1 ϭ sometimes or printed in all capital letters 019. Number of correctly spelled words having seven or more letters (count a 9. Story is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
word only once); an apostrophe counts as a letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ always clearly indicates upper-case 0 ϭ immature; merely describes picture

09. Number of nonduplicated mispelled words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ straightforward, coherent, interesting

0 ϭ 6 or more 0 ϭ 0–3 2 ϭ 8–14 12 ϭ engaging, unique, grabbing
1 ϭ 4–7 3 ϭ 15 or more
10. Story vocabulary - one point for each of the 14 choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ 3–5 020. Number of words with three syllables or more that are spelled correctly
(count a word only once) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–3
2 ϭ 0–2
1 ϭ 4–7
110. Uses asterisk, ellipse, hyphen, parentheses, brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ 0–2 12 ϭ 8 or more items
* … - () [] 1 ϭ 3–4
(need not be used correctly) 11. Overall vocabulary used in story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 ϭ 5 or more
0 ϭ no 0 ϭ sparse, immature
1 ϭ yes 21. Uses a and an appropriately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ serviceable, adequate, competent
11. Fragmentary sentence - Usually a sentence without both a subject 0 ϭ uses neither a nor an 2 ϭ rich, mature, figurative 5Total Raw Score
1 ϭ uses a appropriately at least once
0and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ϭ uses an appropriately at least once 7Total Raw Score Form A (accident) Form B (storm)

Ex: When I saw the dog. Looking happy and rested. street/road dog (or specific breed) grass/yard/backyard lightning
0 ϭ yes car/SUV/truck leash fence/sidewalk/hydrant rain/rainstorm/storm
1 ϭ no license plate sidewalk/grass house/houses/window hose/water hose
police car dog’s owner tree/fire/flames/burning cell phone/woman
hydrant student driver/driver dog/leash/cat boy/girl
water police officer/man/woman birdcage/bird car(s)/auto(s)
driver’s ed instructor/teacher ticket/police report cloud/storm cloud people/man/men/neighbors

17 Jonathan - Story 4 Scoring Key



© 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. Section 5. Story Scoring (Note. The Story Composition subtest should be scored according to adult standards for composition rather than age or grade standards.)
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.
Subtest 6. Contextual Conventions Subtest 7. Story Composition

Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score

21. Sentences begin with a capital letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112. Run-on/Rambling sentence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. Story beginning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 ϭ 3 or more mistakes 0 ϭ yes 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ no
1 ϭ 1–2 mistakes or printed in all capital letters 1 ϭ serviceable, somewhat interesting

2 ϭ no mistakes 13. Compound sentences - Two complete sentences connected by a 12 ϭ grabbing, exceptionally engaging

22. Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3conjunction, colon, or semicolon; both sentences must have a subject 2. Definitely refers to a specific event occurring before or after the picture . . . . . . . . . .

(Clearly indicates paragraphs with indentations or spaces between) and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ no

0 ϭ none, 1 2 ϭ 3–4 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 2–3 21 ϭ yes

1ϭ 2 3 ϭ 5 or more 1 ϭ 1 3 ϭ 4 or more 3. Story sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03. Uses quotation marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Uses coordinating conjunctions other than and (but, or, not, for, yet, so) 0 ϭ a series of random, disjointed, or rambling statements

Must have both opening and closing quotation marks. Ex: “You saw him.” It was very “retro.” 1when forming compound sentences; count each conjunction only once. 1 ϭ has some sequence

0 ϭ no Ex: I ran but he caught me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ϭ moves smoothly and coherently from start to finish
1 ϭ yes
0 ϭ no 4. Plot (storyline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
04. Uses comma to set off a direct quotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ uninteresting, dull, flat
12 ϭ 3 or more
Ex: Mary said, “Hello.” Mary said “, Hello.” 1 ϭ interesting, logical, acceptable
15. Introductory phrases and clauses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ no 12 ϭ intriguing, well-crafted
Two or more words introducing a sentence; need not be set off
1 ϭ yes 5. Characters show feelings/emotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15. Correctly uses an apostrophe at least once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by a comma. Ex: Of course… When I look back… 0 ϭ no

Ex: can’t, the dog’s, students’ 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 3–5 1 ϭ some mild or subtle emotion (upset, smiling, laughing, excited, happy)

21 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ no 3 ϭ more than 5 12 ϭ strong emotion evident in at least one character (anger, love, terror, ecstasy)

1 ϭ yes 16. Noun–verb disagreements. Ex: They was running. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Story action or energy level (pace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

06. Uses a question mark ( ? ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ more than one error 0 ϭ plodding, stumbling, none
1 ϭ 1 error
(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ interesting, sustained
32 ϭ perfect, no errors
0 ϭ no 12 ϭ exciting, compelling, exceptional
17. Sentences in paragraph(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 7. Story ending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ 1 paragraph, 1 sentence
07. Uses an exclamation point ( ! ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ 1 paragraph, 2 or more sentences 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
2 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 1 paragraph
(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ logical, definite ending
23 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 2 paragraphs
0 ϭ no 22 ϭ clever, inventive
18. Sentence composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 8. Writing style is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28. Capitalizes proper nouns including those in story’s title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ immature, dull, undistinguished

Ex: Chevy, Mr. Jones, Elm Street 0 ϭ many badly constructed sentences 1 ϭ serviceable, matter-of-fact
1 ϭ mostly simple sentences with some introductory and concluding phrases
0 ϭ no or uses no proper nouns 2 ϭ a variety of well-constructed compound and complex sentences 12 ϭ artful, stylish, exceptional

1 ϭ sometimes or printed in all capital letters 319. Number of correctly spelled words having seven or more letters (count a 9. Story is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
word only once); an apostrophe counts as a letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ always clearly indicates upper-case 0 ϭ immature; merely describes picture

29. Number of nonduplicated mispelled words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ straightforward, coherent, interesting

0 ϭ 6 or more 0 ϭ 0–3 2 ϭ 8–14 22 ϭ engaging, unique, grabbing
1 ϭ 4–7 3 ϭ 15 or more
10. Story vocabulary - one point for each of the 14 choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ 3–5 220. Number of words with three syllables or more that are spelled correctly
(count a word only once) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–3
2 ϭ 0–2
1 ϭ 4–7
110. Uses asterisk, ellipse, hyphen, parentheses, brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ 0–2 12 ϭ 8 or more items
* … - () [] 1 ϭ 3–4
(need not be used correctly) 11. Overall vocabulary used in story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 ϭ 5 or more
0 ϭ no 0 ϭ sparse, immature
1 ϭ yes 21. Uses a and an appropriately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ serviceable, adequate, competent
11. Fragmentary sentence - Usually a sentence without both a subject 0 ϭ uses neither a nor an 2 ϭ rich, mature, figurative 14Total Raw Score
1 ϭ uses a appropriately at least once
1and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ϭ uses an appropriately at least once 31Total Raw Score Form A (accident) Form B (storm)

Ex: When I saw the dog. Looking happy and rested. street/road dog (or specific breed) grass/yard/backyard lightning
0 ϭ yes car/SUV/truck leash fence/sidewalk/hydrant rain/rainstorm/storm
1 ϭ no license plate sidewalk/grass house/houses/window hose/water hose
police car dog’s owner tree/fire/flames/burning cell phone/woman
hydrant student driver/driver dog/leash/cat boy/girl
water police officer/man/woman birdcage/bird car(s)/auto(s)
driver’s ed instructor/teacher ticket/police report cloud/storm cloud people/man/men/neighbors

19 Jasmine - Story 6 Scoring Key

20 © 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. Section 5. Story Scoring (Note. The Story Composition subtest should be scored according to adult standards for composition rather than age or grade standards.)
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.
Subtest 6. Contextual Conventions Subtest 7. Story Composition

Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score

21. Sentences begin with a capital letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 012. Run-on/Rambling sentence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. Story beginning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 ϭ 3 or more mistakes 0 ϭ yes 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ no
1 ϭ 1–2 mistakes or printed in all capital letters 1 ϭ serviceable, somewhat interesting

2 ϭ no mistakes 13. Compound sentences - Two complete sentences connected by a 12 ϭ grabbing, exceptionally engaging

12. Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0conjunction, colon, or semicolon; both sentences must have a subject 2. Definitely refers to a specific event occurring before or after the picture . . . . . . . . . .

(Clearly indicates paragraphs with indentations or spaces between) and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ no

0 ϭ none, 1 2 ϭ 3–4 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 2–3 11 ϭ yes

1ϭ 2 3 ϭ 5 or more 1 ϭ 1 3 ϭ 4 or more 3. Story sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03. Uses quotation marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Uses coordinating conjunctions other than and (but, or, not, for, yet, so) 0 ϭ a series of random, disjointed, or rambling statements

Must have both opening and closing quotation marks. Ex: “You saw him.” It was very “retro.” 0when forming compound sentences; count each conjunction only once. 1 ϭ has some sequence

0 ϭ no Ex: I ran but he caught me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 ϭ moves smoothly and coherently from start to finish
1 ϭ yes
0 ϭ no 4. Plot (storyline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
04. Uses comma to set off a direct quotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ uninteresting, dull, flat
02 ϭ 3 or more
Ex: Mary said, “Hello.” Mary said “, Hello.” 1 ϭ interesting, logical, acceptable
15. Introductory phrases and clauses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ no 02 ϭ intriguing, well-crafted
Two or more words introducing a sentence; need not be set off
1 ϭ yes 5. Characters show feelings/emotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

05. Correctly uses an apostrophe at least once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by a comma. Ex: Of course… When I look back… 0 ϭ no

Ex: can’t, the dog’s, students’ 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 3–5 1 ϭ some mild or subtle emotion (upset, smiling, laughing, excited, happy)

01 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ no 3 ϭ more than 5 02 ϭ strong emotion evident in at least one character (anger, love, terror, ecstasy)

1 ϭ yes 16. Noun–verb disagreements. Ex: They was running. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Story action or energy level (pace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

06. Uses a question mark ( ? ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ more than one error 0 ϭ plodding, stumbling, none
1 ϭ 1 error
(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ interesting, sustained
32 ϭ perfect, no errors
0 ϭ no 02 ϭ exciting, compelling, exceptional
17. Sentences in paragraph(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 7. Story ending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17. Uses an exclamation point ( ! ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 1 paragraph, 1 sentence 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ 1 paragraph, 2 or more sentences
(need not be used correctly) 2 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 1 paragraph 1 ϭ logical, definite ending

0 ϭ no 03 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 2 paragraphs 12 ϭ clever, inventive

1 ϭ yes 18. Sentence composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. Writing style is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18. Capitalizes proper nouns including those in story’s title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ immature, dull, undistinguished

Ex: Chevy, Mr. Jones, Elm Street 0 ϭ many badly constructed sentences 1 ϭ serviceable, matter-of-fact
1 ϭ mostly simple sentences with some introductory and concluding phrases
0 ϭ no or uses no proper nouns 2 ϭ a variety of well-constructed compound and complex sentences 02 ϭ artful, stylish, exceptional

1 ϭ sometimes or printed in all capital letters 019. Number of correctly spelled words having seven or more letters (count a 9. Story is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
word only once); an apostrophe counts as a letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ always clearly indicates upper-case 0 ϭ immature; merely describes picture

09. Number of nonduplicated mispelled words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ straightforward, coherent, interesting

0 ϭ 6 or more 0 ϭ 0–3 2 ϭ 8–14 12 ϭ engaging, unique, grabbing
1 ϭ 4–7 3 ϭ 15 or more
10. Story vocabulary - one point for each of the 14 choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ 3–5 020. Number of words with three syllables or more that are spelled correctly
(count a word only once) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–3
2 ϭ 0–2
1 ϭ 4–7
010. Uses asterisk, ellipse, hyphen, parentheses, brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ 0–2 12 ϭ 8 or more items
* … - () [] 1 ϭ 3–4
(need not be used correctly) 11. Overall vocabulary used in story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 ϭ 5 or more
0 ϭ no 0 ϭ sparse, immature
1 ϭ yes 21. Uses a and an appropriately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ serviceable, adequate, competent
11. Fragmentary sentence - Usually a sentence without both a subject 0 ϭ uses neither a nor an 2 ϭ rich, mature, figurative 6Total Raw Score
1 ϭ uses a appropriately at least once
0and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ϭ uses an appropriately at least once 9Total Raw Score Form A (accident) Form B (storm)

Ex: When I saw the dog. Looking happy and rested. street/road dog (or specific breed) grass/yard/backyard lightning
0 ϭ yes car/SUV/truck leash fence/sidewalk/hydrant rain/rainstorm/storm
1 ϭ no license plate sidewalk/grass house/houses/window hose/water hose
police car dog’s owner tree/fire/flames/burning cell phone/woman
hydrant student driver/driver dog/leash/cat boy/girl
water police officer/man/woman birdcage/bird car(s)/auto(s)
driver’s ed instructor/teacher ticket/police report cloud/storm cloud people/man/men/neighbors

Luke - Story 7 Scoring Key



22 © 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. Section 5. Story Scoring (Note. The Story Composition subtest should be scored according to adult standards for composition rather than age or grade standards.)
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.
Subtest 6. Contextual Conventions Subtest 7. Story Composition

Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score

01. Sentences begin with a capital letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 012. Run-on/Rambling sentence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. Story beginning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 ϭ 3 or more mistakes 0 ϭ yes 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ no
1 ϭ 1–2 mistakes or printed in all capital letters 1 ϭ serviceable, somewhat interesting

2 ϭ no mistakes 13. Compound sentences - Two complete sentences connected by a 12 ϭ grabbing, exceptionally engaging

02. Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0conjunction, colon, or semicolon; both sentences must have a subject 2. Definitely refers to a specific event occurring before or after the picture . . . . . . . . . .

(Clearly indicates paragraphs with indentations or spaces between) and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ no

0 ϭ none, 1 2 ϭ 3–4 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 2–3 11 ϭ yes

1ϭ 2 3 ϭ 5 or more 1 ϭ 1 3 ϭ 4 or more 3. Story sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
03. Uses quotation marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Uses coordinating conjunctions other than and (but, or, not, for, yet, so) 0 ϭ a series of random, disjointed, or rambling statements

Must have both opening and closing quotation marks. Ex: “You saw him.” It was very “retro.” 0when forming compound sentences; count each conjunction only once. 1 ϭ has some sequence

0 ϭ no Ex: I ran but he caught me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 ϭ moves smoothly and coherently from start to finish
1 ϭ yes
0 ϭ no 4. Plot (storyline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
04. Uses comma to set off a direct quotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ uninteresting, dull, flat
12 ϭ 3 or more
Ex: Mary said, “Hello.” Mary said “, Hello.” 1 ϭ interesting, logical, acceptable
15. Introductory phrases and clauses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ no 12 ϭ intriguing, well-crafted
Two or more words introducing a sentence; need not be set off
1 ϭ yes 5. Characters show feelings/emotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

05. Correctly uses an apostrophe at least once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by a comma. Ex: Of course… When I look back… 0 ϭ no

Ex: can’t, the dog’s, students’ 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 3–5 1 ϭ some mild or subtle emotion (upset, smiling, laughing, excited, happy)

11 ϭ 1–2
0 ϭ no 3 ϭ more than 5 02 ϭ strong emotion evident in at least one character (anger, love, terror, ecstasy)

1 ϭ yes 16. Noun–verb disagreements. Ex: They was running. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Story action or energy level (pace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

06. Uses a question mark ( ? ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ more than one error 0 ϭ plodding, stumbling, none
1 ϭ 1 error
(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ interesting, sustained
12 ϭ perfect, no errors
0 ϭ no 12 ϭ exciting, compelling, exceptional
17. Sentences in paragraph(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 7. Story ending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ 1 paragraph, 1 sentence
07. Uses an exclamation point ( ! ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ 1 paragraph, 2 or more sentences 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
2 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 1 paragraph
(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ logical, definite ending
03 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 2 paragraphs
0 ϭ no 02 ϭ clever, inventive
18. Sentence composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 8. Writing style is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

08. Capitalizes proper nouns including those in story’s title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ immature, dull, undistinguished

Ex: Chevy, Mr. Jones, Elm Street 0 ϭ many badly constructed sentences 1 ϭ serviceable, matter-of-fact
1 ϭ mostly simple sentences with some introductory and concluding phrases
0 ϭ no or uses no proper nouns 2 ϭ a variety of well-constructed compound and complex sentences 02 ϭ artful, stylish, exceptional

1 ϭ sometimes or printed in all capital letters 019. Number of correctly spelled words having seven or more letters (count a 9. Story is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
word only once); an apostrophe counts as a letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ always clearly indicates upper-case 0 ϭ immature; merely describes picture

09. Number of nonduplicated mispelled words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ straightforward, coherent, interesting

0 ϭ 6 or more 0 ϭ 0–3 2 ϭ 8–14 12 ϭ engaging, unique, grabbing
1 ϭ 4–7 3 ϭ 15 or more
10. Story vocabulary - one point for each of the 14 choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ 3–5 020. Number of words with three syllables or more that are spelled correctly
(count a word only once) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–3
2 ϭ 0–2
1 ϭ 4–7
010. Uses asterisk, ellipse, hyphen, parentheses, brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 ϭ 0–2 12 ϭ 8 or more items
* … - () [] 1 ϭ 3–4
(need not be used correctly) 11. Overall vocabulary used in story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 ϭ 5 or more
0 ϭ no 0 ϭ sparse, immature
1 ϭ yes 21. Uses a and an appropriately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ serviceable, adequate, competent
11. Fragmentary sentence - Usually a sentence without both a subject 0 ϭ uses neither a nor an 2 ϭ rich, mature, figurative 7Total Raw Score
1 ϭ uses a appropriately at least once
0and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ϭ uses an appropriately at least once 4Total Raw Score Form A (accident) Form B (storm)

Ex: When I saw the dog. Looking happy and rested. street/road dog (or specific breed) grass/yard/backyard lightning
0 ϭ yes car/SUV/truck leash fence/sidewalk/hydrant rain/rainstorm/storm
1 ϭ no license plate sidewalk/grass house/houses/window hose/water hose
police car dog’s owner tree/fire/flames/burning cell phone/woman
hydrant student driver/driver dog/leash/cat boy/girl
water police officer/man/woman birdcage/bird car(s)/auto(s)
driver’s ed instructor/teacher ticket/police report cloud/storm cloud people/man/men/neighbors

Natasha - Story 9 Scoring Key

© 2009 by PRO-ED, Inc. Section 5. Story Scoring (Note. The Story Composition subtest should be scored according to adult standards for composition rather than age or grade standards.)
This page can be photocopied for training purposes only.
Subtest 6. Contextual Conventions Subtest 7. Story Composition

Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score Item Scoring Criteria Score

01. Sentences begin with a capital letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 012. Run-on/Rambling sentence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. Story beginning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 ϭ 3 or more mistakes 0 ϭ yes 0 ϭ abrupt, weak
1 ϭ no
1 ϭ 1–2 mistakes or printed in all capital letters 1 ϭ serviceable, somewhat interesting

2 ϭ no mistakes 13. Compound sentences - Two complete sentences connected by a 02 ϭ grabbing, exceptionally engaging

02. Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0conjunction, colon, or semicolon; both sentences must have a subject 2. Definitely refers to a specific event occurring before or after the picture . . . . . . . . . .

(Clearly indicates paragraphs with indentations or spaces between) and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ no

0 ϭ none, 1 2 ϭ 3–4 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 2–3 01 ϭ yes

1ϭ 2 3 ϭ 5 or more 1 ϭ 1 3 ϭ 4 or more 3. Story sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13. Uses quotation marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Uses coordinating conjunctions other than and (but, or, not, for, yet, so) 0 ϭ a series of random, disjointed, or rambling statements

Must have both opening and closing quotation marks. Ex: “You saw him.” It was very “retro.” 0when forming compound sentences; count each conjunction only once. 1 ϭ has some sequence

0 ϭ no Ex: I ran but he caught me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 ϭ moves smoothly and coherently from start to finish
1 ϭ yes
0 ϭ no 4. Plot (storyline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
04. Uses comma to set off a direct quotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ 1–2 0 ϭ uninteresting, dull, flat

Ex: Mary said, “Hello.” Mary said “, Hello.” 02 ϭ 3 or more 1 ϭ interesting, logical, acceptable

0 ϭ no 15. Introductory phrases and clauses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ϭ intriguing, well-crafted

1 ϭ yes Two or more words introducing a sentence; need not be set off 5. Characters show feelings/emotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

05. Correctly uses an apostrophe at least once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by a comma. Ex: Of course… When I look back… 0 ϭ no

Ex: can’t, the dog’s, students’ 0 ϭ none 2 ϭ 3–5 1 ϭ some mild or subtle emotion (upset, smiling, laughing, excited, happy)

3 ϭ more than 5
0 ϭ no 21 ϭ 1–2 02 ϭ strong emotion evident in at least one character (anger, love, terror, ecstasy)
16. Noun–verb disagreements. Ex: They was running. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ϭ yes 6. Story action or energy level (pace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

06. Uses a question mark ( ? ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ more than one error 0 ϭ plodding, stumbling, none

(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ 1 error 1 ϭ interesting, sustained

0 ϭ no 12 ϭ perfect, no errors 02 ϭ exciting, compelling, exceptional

1 ϭ yes 17. Sentences in paragraph(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Story ending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

07. Uses an exclamation point ( ! ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 1 paragraph, 1 sentence 0 ϭ abrupt, weak

(need not be used correctly) 1 ϭ 1 paragraph, 2 or more sentences 1 ϭ logical, definite ending

0 ϭ no 2 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 1 paragraph 02 ϭ clever, inventive

1 ϭ yes 03 ϭ 2 or more paragraphs, 2 or more sentences in at least 2 paragraphs 8. Writing style is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

08. Capitalizes proper nouns including those in story’s title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18. Sentence composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ immature, dull, undistinguished

Ex: Chevy, Mr. Jones, Elm Street 0 ϭ many badly constructed sentences 1 ϭ serviceable, matter-of-fact

1 ϭ mostly simple sentences with some introductory and concluding phrases 02 ϭ artful, stylish, exceptional

0 ϭ no or uses no proper nouns 2 ϭ a variety of well-constructed compound and complex sentences 9. Story is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 ϭ sometimes or printed in all capital letters 019. Number of correctly spelled words having seven or more letters (count a 0 ϭ immature; merely describes picture
word only once); an apostrophe counts as a letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ always clearly indicates upper-case 1 ϭ straightforward, coherent, interesting

09. Number of nonduplicated mispelled words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–3 2 ϭ 8–14 22 ϭ engaging, unique, grabbing

0 ϭ 6 or more 1 ϭ 4–7 3 ϭ 15 or more 10. Story vocabulary - one point for each of the 14 choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 ϭ 3–5 020. Number of words with three syllables or more that are spelled correctly 0 ϭ 0–3
(count a word only once) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 ϭ 0–2 1 ϭ 4–7

010. Uses asterisk, ellipse, hyphen, parentheses, brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ϭ 0–2 12 ϭ 8 or more items

* … - () [] 1 ϭ 3–4 11. Overall vocabulary used in story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(need not be used correctly)
02 ϭ 5 or more 0 ϭ sparse, immature
0 ϭ no
1 ϭ yes 21. Uses a and an appropriately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ serviceable, adequate, competent
2 ϭ rich, mature, figurative
11. Fragmentary sentence - Usually a sentence without both a subject 0 ϭ uses neither a nor an 5Total Raw Score

0and a verb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ϭ uses a appropriately at least once 4Total Raw Score Form A (accident) Form B (storm)
2 ϭ uses an appropriately at least once
Ex: When I saw the dog. Looking happy and rested.
0 ϭ yes street/road dog (or specific breed) grass/yard/backyard lightning
1 ϭ no car/SUV/truck leash fence/sidewalk/hydrant rain/rainstorm/storm
license plate sidewalk/grass house/houses/window hose/water hose
police car dog’s owner tree/fire/flames/burning cell phone/woman
hydrant student driver/driver dog/leash/cat boy/girl
water police officer/man/woman birdcage/bird car(s)/auto(s)
driver’s ed instructor/teacher ticket/police report cloud/storm cloud people/man/men/neighbors

23 Albert - Story 10 Scoring Key