What key concept does primary trait scoring evaluate in a student’s writing?

• A. Creativity and imagination
• B. Adherence to writing conventions
• C. Task-specific language function
• D. General fluency and coherence

Answer: (C)

Primary trait scoring focuses on the specific aspects of writing that are essential for a designated task, often emphasizing the effectiveness of the piece in fulfilling the purpose of that task. This approach involves evaluating how well the student uses language, structure, and content appropriate to the specific writing assignment. In essence, primary trait scoring isolates one major trait or characteristic related to the assignment's objectives, providing a more targeted assessment of a student's writing.

This scoring method is particularly useful for evaluating students on particular writing tasks, as it aligns closely with the intentions set out in the writing prompt. While other aspects like creativity, adherence to conventions, and general fluency might be components of a broader evaluation, they are not the primary focus of this particular scoring method. Instead, it zeroes in on how effectively students accomplish the task at hand, making choice C the most accurate representation of primary trait scoring.