What is the purpose of a holistic rubric?

• A. To provide detailed feedback on each error
• B. To establish scoring based on overall qualities of a paper
• C. To impose strict grading limits
• D. To compare student work with unrelated benchmark papers

Answer: (B)

A holistic rubric serves the purpose of establishing scoring based on the overall qualities of a paper. This type of rubric evaluates a student's work as a whole rather than assessing individual components or specific criteria separately. By looking at the overall effectiveness, coherence, and quality of the work, a holistic rubric allows educators to make a more generalized judgement about a student’s performance.

This approach is particularly beneficial in situations where the goal is to assess how well a student communicates their ideas, argumentation, or creative expression without getting bogged down in minute details. It encourages students to focus on the bigger picture and the overall impact of their writing rather than worrying excessively about each individual error or aspect. Holistic rubrics are commonly used in writing assessments, performances, and presentations where the cumulative effect is more significant than specific flaws.