<p>This is probably a stupid question, but I'm not sure how this works. I decided to write the optional essay. Does the score I earn on that stand alone, or does it impact my composite score?</p>
<p>you get an additional english score that's not part of the composite. so really you'll have four scores on the scale of 1-36.</p>
<p>"Taking the Writing Test does not affect subject area scores or the Composite score.
Each essay will be evaluated on the evidence it gives of the student's ability to do the following:</p>
<p>express judgments by taking a position on the issue in the writing prompt
maintain a focus on the topic throughout the essay
develop a position by using logical reasoning and by supporting their ideas
organize ideas in a logical way
use language clearly and effectively according to the rules of standard written English
Students' essays will be scored holistically—that is, on the basis of the overall impression created by all the elements of the writing. Two trained readers will read each student's essay, each giving it a rating from 1 (low) to 6 (high).</p>
<p>The sum of those ratings is the Writing subscore, which can range from 2 to 12.</p>
<p>If the readers' ratings disagree by more than one point, a third reader will evaluate the essay and resolve the discrepancy.</p>
<p>In addition to the subscore, students receive positive and constructive feedback on their essays in the form of reader comments."</p>