I agree that the essay rated a 6 had a strange format. I thought the author’s deep dive into the ideas, and in-depth examination of the cotton gin as an example, probably led to the 6.
I thought the essay graded a 5 had a much clearer format. Intro with thesis statement, each body paragraph treats one of the three perspectives and treats one example, the third body paragraph entertains the opposing point of view and refutes it, with a simple conclusion.
Here’s the link to the graded 5 essay in case anyone wants to see it: http://www.actstudent.org/writing/sample/five.html
I think using the structure of the essay graded a 5 is a good rule of thumb, and if inspiration strikes, maybe it will propel a student up to the 6!
However, I really don’t think either essay reads as very realistic . . . the old examples at least had the occasional spelling error, which I think is more realistic for a very hurried, timed essay.
What do you think?