<p>The number of essays that score a 12 is very small. Such situations require both graders to give the essay the already rare score of 6. The problem of inconsistent grading stems from the inherent subjectivity and probable differences in grading standards and criteria. Consider these facts:
[ul][<em>]There are almost twice as many 9-scoring essays as there are 10-scoring essays. Keep in mind that an odd-numbered score requires different scores from the graders – and the scale only runs 1-6.
[</em>]There are about three times as many 11-scoring essays as 12-scoring essays.
[<em>]7-scoring essays are nearly as frequent as 6-scoring essays.
[</em>]Based on the test day, 2.8% to 4.1% of essays receive scores from the graders that differ by 2 or more. This is inexcusable when the scale is so small.
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