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MSTAR Writing Student Checklist
A one-page student checklist for writing on Maryland's MSTAR and MCAP ELA tests: the two holistic scores, why reading the passage right comes first, and a plan for evidence and analysis.
For students · Grades 3–8 · Grade 10 · 1 page · PDF
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How to use it: MSTAR and MCAP Writing Explained: A Guide for Maryland Teachers
What's on the sheet
How your writing is scored
Two holistic scores, added together:
| Score | Points |
|---|---|
| Written Expression | 0–4 |
| Written Conventions | 0–3 |
| Total | 7 |
A score describes the response as a whole; you don’t need every feature to earn it.
Read it right first
The top Written Expression score starts with understanding the passage, both what it says and what it suggests.
A neat, organized essay can still score a 2 if it misreads the text or barely uses it.
Written Expression (0–4)
- I understood the passage, including what it suggests, not just what it says.
- Grade 3: I explained the text accurately. Grade 4 and up: I analyzed it accurately.
- My ideas are fully developed, from introduction to conclusion.
- My reasoning is clear, and I supported it with evidence from the text.
- Each body paragraph has a specific fact or quote from the passage.
- After each piece of evidence, I explained what it shows.
- Narrative (grades 3–7): my story fits the task, is well organized, and uses narrative elements and style on purpose.
Written Conventions (0–3)
- My sentences are complete and correct.
- I proofread, so any errors are minor and my meaning is easy to understand.
My plan
My claim or controlling idea
Evidence from the passage
This shows…
Grades 3–7 may write opinion or argument, informative, or narrative; grade 8 writes argument or informative. Student summary based on MSDE's Holistic Rubrics for Grades 3–8 and 10 (informative and argument rubric); not an official MSDE document.