And so would I, I’m afraid, if we are to believe this analysis of the scoring model for the new SAT essay test under which prolixity is rewarded over the succinct. Whatever happened to Strunk & White?
Also, our friends at the College Board seem hellbent on breeding another generation of Jayson Blairs.
Dr. Perelman contacted the College Board and was surprised to learn that on the new SAT essay, students are not penalized for incorrect facts. The official guide for scorers explains: “Writers may make errors in facts or information that do not affect the quality of their essays. For example, a writer may state ‘The American Revolution began in 1842’ or ‘ “Anna Karenina,” a play by the French author Joseph Conrad, was a very upbeat literary work.’ ” (Actually, that’s 1775; a novel by the Russian Leo Tolstoy; and poor Anna hurls herself under a train.) No matter. “You are scoring the writing, and not the correctness of facts.”
Long-winded writing and dodgy facts. Now I get it. This is another MSM conspiracy against the blogs. [I hope you’re not using this to promote Pajamas Media again?-ed. Moi?]
(via Glenn)
Join the conversation as a VIP Member