Specific Questions about the Writing Sample Test

Do the new CUNY/ACT skills tests include an essay?

Yes. Students are asked to write an essay in response to a writing prompt. A sample prompt and sample student responses is included in the informational brochure).

How much time will students have to write the essay?

Students are allowed 60 minutes for the essay section.

Who scores the writing sample?

Beginning Fall 2000, ACT-trained and certified CUNY readers will read all placement and exit papers. Training sessions for CUNY/ACT readers were held during September, October, and November 2000; both previously certified WAT readers and new assessment readers were invited to these sessions. Additional training sessions will be scheduled in February 2001.

How is the writing sample scored?

Each essay is read by two certified CUNY readers, using a six-level scoring scale; the first reader's score is hidden from the second reader. Two same scores (for example, 3-3 or 5-5) or two adjacent scores (for example, 2-3 or 3-4) are added together to produce the final writing sample score. If the two readers differ by more than 1 point (for example, 2-4 or 4-6), a third reader (generally, a college's Chief Reader) sets the score for the paper, which is then counted twice to establish the final writing sample score.

Where will readings be held?

Beginning Fall 2000, all readings of papers, both for initial placement and for exit, will be held at borough centers. These borough center reading sessions began in November 2000 and will continue throughout the year.