Maryland's state writing assessment, rubric by rubric
MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program) is the state's annual summative assessment program. The English Language Arts/Literacy assessment includes a written response item where students analyze one or more source texts and produce a response in the Opinion, Argumentative, Informative/Explanatory, or Narrative genre.
MCAP uses holistic rubrics with two scored traits. Written Expression is the heavier trait and covers idea development, organization, style, and the connection to the source texts. Written Conventions is scored on a tighter 0 to 3 scale and covers sentence structure, grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
The MCAP rubrics are organized by grade band and genre. Grades 4-5 and Grades 6-8/10 both use a 0 to 4 Written Expression scale (Grade 3 uses a compressed 0 to 3 scale, structurally similar to Grades 4-5 with the top two levels collapsed). Opinion is the elementary genre at Grades 4-5; the secondary equivalent is Argumentative at Grades 6-8/10, which adds an expectation around alternate or opposing claims starting at Grade 7.
The six Maryland MCAP writing rubrics
Each MCAP rubric scores writing on two traits, Written Expression (0 to 4) and Written Conventions (0 to 3). The same two-trait holistic structure applies across genres and grade bands. Grade 3 uses a slightly compressed 0 to 3 Written Expression scale; Grades 4-5 and Grades 6-8/10 use the full 0 to 4 scale shown here.
Students state an opinion on a topic or text and support it with reasons and text-based evidence. Scored holistically on Written Expression (0 to 4) and Written Conventions (0 to 3).
Students examine a topic and convey ideas and information through the analysis of sources. Scored holistically on Written Expression (0 to 4) and Written Conventions (0 to 3).
Students develop experiences or events using narrative techniques, well-chosen details, and a structured event sequence linked thematically or topically to the sources. Scored on Written Expression (0 to 4) and Written Conventions (0 to 3).
Students state and support a claim using an effective analysis of texts. Alternate or opposing claims are expected starting at Grade 7. Scored on Written Expression (0 to 4) and Written Conventions (0 to 3).
Students examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Scored on Written Expression (0 to 4) and Written Conventions (0 to 3).
Students develop experiences or events using highly effective narrative techniques, telling details, and sensory language. A well-developed thematic or topical link to the sources is expected. Scored on Written Expression (0 to 4) and Written Conventions (0 to 3).
How MCAP scores writing
Every MCAP writing rubric scores responses on two holistic traits. The first trait (Written Expression, 0 to 4 at Grades 4-5 and 6-8/10) carries the genre-specific descriptors that describe what writing at each score point looks like. The second trait (Written Conventions, 0 to 3) is scored on a tighter sub-scale and is shared verbatim across all MCAP genres and grade bands.
Scored holistically using four sample characteristics that describe ideas, genre-specific moves (claim/opinion/topic/narrative), development and organization, and the strength of connections among ideas. A score is based on an overall analysis of what is included, not what is missing. It is not necessary for a response to include all sample characteristics to earn a given score.
Scored 0 to 3 on a sub-scale that is identical across every MCAP genre and grade band. Covers sentence structure variety and control, grammar and usage, and spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. A 3 means a full command of conventions at the grade-appropriate level; a 0 means frequent and varied errors that severely impede understanding.
MCAP writing tasks are always source-based. Written Expression descriptors at every grade band reference textual evidence and analysis of the texts. The narrative rubric uses a thematic or topical link to the sources rather than analysis. At the highest score point on Argumentative writing in Grades 7, 8, and 10, alternate or opposing claims must be clearly acknowledged and soundly addressed (this expectation is not applicable in Grade 6).
Common questions about Maryland MCAP writing
What is the MCAP writing rubric?
How many points is each MCAP rubric worth?
How is the MCAP rubric different from NJSLA or STAAR?
When does MCAP expect students to address opposing claims?
Is this rubric the official version from MSDE?
Where can I find the source documents?
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Score Maryland MCAP writing in EnlightenAI
Train EnlightenAI on any of the six official MCAP writing rubrics and start scoring student writing, with consistent per-trait feedback, in a single class period.