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Gordon Rule

Welcome to the Gordon Rule Website.

What Is Holistic Scoring?

  • The holistic scoring method is based on the theory that a whole piece of writing is greater than the sum of its parts. With this method, essays are read for the total impression they create, rather than for individual aspects.

Integrated criteria

  • Raters award a single score for the overall quality of essays based on an integrated set of specified criteria. Criteria typically include organization, development of ideas, style, mechanics, diction, and usage. These facets are judged together, not separately.

Scoring consistency

















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