What is the highest score for a response that effectively addresses the question?

• A. A score of 5-6.
• B. A score of 9-10 indicates clear focus and effective integration of information from the stimulus material.
• C. A score of 1-2.
• D. A score of 7-8.

Answer: (B)

This question is about how to judge a response on a scoring rubric for effectiveness. The highest score is given when the answer stays clearly on topic and demonstrates strong use of the stimulus material. A response that earns the top marks shows a focused, well-structured explanation that directly addresses the prompt and weaves in evidence or data from the stimulus to support its points. It goes beyond restating information and shows synthesis—linking ideas together in a coherent argument or analysis.

In other words, a 9-10 response proves it understands the question, stays tightly aligned with what’s being asked, and effectively integrates information from the stimulus to back up its reasoning. Lower scores usually indicate less focus, weaker use of the stimulus material, or gaps in reasoning, but the key idea for the highest score is the combination of clear focus and strong integration of material.