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AASA Writing Student Checklist
A one-page student checklist for Arizona's AASA writing test: the three traits on the 10-point rubric, what the top score asks for, and how to use and name your sources.
For students · Grades 3–8 · 1 page · PDF
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How to use it: The AASA Writing Test Explained: A Guide for Arizona Teachers
What's on the sheet
How your essay is scored
| Trait | Points |
|---|---|
| Purpose, Focus, and Organization | 1–4 |
| Evidence and Elaboration | 1–4 |
| Conventions | 0–2 |
| Total | 10 |
Sources are graded, not just used
A 3 allows references to sources that are “general or imprecise.” A 4 asks for precise references, smoothly worked into your writing.
To be scored in every trait, your essay must be in English, long enough, and answer the prompt.
You'll get one prompt: informative/explanatory, or opinion (grades 3–5) or argumentative (grades 6–8). Both types are given at every grade, so be ready for either.
Purpose, Focus, and Organization
- My claim or controlling idea is clear, and I keep it all the way through.
- My ideas move in a logical order, with varied transitions.
- My introduction and conclusion are satisfying, not just a restated prompt.
- Argument, grades 7–8: I clearly addressed the opposing claim.
Evidence and Elaboration
- I used thorough, relevant evidence from the sources.
- Opinion or argument: I used more than one source, not just my favorite.
- I named each source precisely, by its title, not just “the article.”
- After each piece of evidence, I explained what it shows.
- My words are precise, and my sentences are varied.
Conventions
- I checked usage, punctuation, capitalization, sentence formation and spelling.
- I don’t repeat the same kind of error throughout.
My plan
My claim or controlling idea
Evidence + source title
Opposing claim + my answer (grades 7–8)
The test shows an ADE Writing Guide with each prompt. Student summary based on ADE's AASA writing rubrics (grades 6–8 argumentative descriptors shown); not an official ADE document.