On a Scale (Studies in Composition and Rhetoric) [Paperback]

Norbert Elliot (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0820427780 | ISBN-13: 978-0820427782 | Publication Date: May 27, 2005

A) Fear and Trembling? (B) Shock and Awe?

Which set of statements best describes the emotions surrounding the assessment of writing ability in educational settings? This book-the first historical study of its kind-begins with Harvard University's 1874 requirement that first-year student applicants submit a short composition as part of the admissions process; the book concludes with the College Board's 2005 requirement for an essay to be submitted as part of the new SAT(r): Reasoning Test. Intended for teachers who must prepare students to submit their writing for formal assessment, administrators who must make critical decisions based on test scores, and policy makers who must allocate resources based on evaluation systems, On a Scale provides a much-needed historical and conceptual background to questions arising from national attention to student writing ability.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Anyone who wants to understand the core history of writing assessment in America must read this book." -- Rhetoric Review, October 2006

About the Author

Norbert Elliot is Professor of English at New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing (May 27, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0820427780
• ISBN-13: 978-0820427782
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #295,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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