assessment of writing skill at HSC level: a case study

Abstract: In this essay, firstly, I will discuss importance of rating scales, relationship between assessment criteria and operations and conditions and effectiveness of rating scales while assessing writing. Secondly, I will examine a selection of scales and subsequently there will be an estimation of those in meeting objectives of the tests and of the course. Finally, I will recommend a suitable rating scale to test English First paper and English Second Paper writing skill at HSC level in Bangladesh evaluating the existing one where I will mention steps to be taken to reduce inter and intra- rating fluctuation in scoring. Rating scale: A rating scale is ‘an ordered set of descriptions of typical performances in terms of their quality, used by raters in rating procedures ’ McNamara (2000:136). Hudson at el (1995) utilizes rating scales ‘to assess test takers ’ pragmatic performance by external raters and for test takers ’ self-assessment of their own pragmatic ability ’ , cited in Hinkel (2005:328). Its aim is to make distinction sufficiently fine ‘to capture progress being made by students’. It is a realistic way of assessing the level of a particular communicative performance ‘by using a number of descriptive bands for a particular skill, on a scale of competence ranging from excellence to failure’ Nunn (2000:171). For the sake of a reliable assessment we need a reliable rating scale. As a rating scale decides a range of things including scoring validity, students ’ competence or proficiency, raters should be trained up to standardise marking