2013 MCAS
Grade 10 English Language Arts Composition
Topic/Idea Development - Score Point 3

This composition is rudimentary in topic development, use of supporting details, and organization of ideas. A basic introductory paragraph identifies Creon as "the main antagonist… [whose] selfish decision…leads to his, and others, ultimate downfall." Basic details and simple transitions meant to outline the nature and effects of Creon's "selfishness" are clustered (and repeated) in three body paragraphs: "First, Creon's decision to not free Antigone is the start of his downfall.…Next, Creon's downfall of his family dying is caused by his decision….Finally, Creon's downfall affects the whole story because it caused all the tradegies [sic] in Thebes." The brief conclusion states that "Selfish acts in life can lead to these same or equal consequences" without any further elaboration. Use of language is simplistic, yet sufficient to convey a central idea.