ASIM'S WEBWORLD View: AP English Scoring Guide Sample Question Sample Response One Scoring of Sample One Sample Response Two		AP ENGLISH - LITERATURE TEST: Scoring Commentary for Response Two This essay was selected by the faculty consultants as a good example of a paper that merited a score of 6 on the 9-point scale. Note that in terms of the scoring guide, it discusses "somewhat narrowly the meaning of the poems." This is not a weak paper, nor is it poorly written. Its chief strength lies in the fact that the writer does show evidence that he or she understands the two poems. The writer sees the difference in "theme and style" of the poems and is able to discourse, even if thinly, about the speakers' purposes: Keats' poem expresses the "wish" that "happiness would last forever" while Frost's poem "contains a lesson." These assertions are elaborated upon through a series of references to the texts of the poems that focuses largely on "formal" and "informal" diction. Frost's idea of "steadfastness" against the sway of the "mob" or unruly emotion is clearly grasped by the student, as is Keats' wish to "enjoy the best of life forever." This is a competently written paper even though it may lack depth in analysis and polish in style. The student is an effective reader and writer, despite one or two glaring lapses. This is a good middle-range essay.