<p>I agree that sloppy handwriting (my kid has it, too) can give the reader a negative impression, though it is not supposed to lower the score. I doubt it would lower the score more than one point. </p>
<p>Improving essay content would be much more likely to raise a score than improving handwriting. Practice with the sample questions in a review book. What my kid learned: Write A LOT. Short essays–even if the kid thinks that’s all he has to say on the topic-- will not get maximum points. Acknowledge opposing viewpoints with several DETAILS. And be aware that factual accuracy is NOT important (make up details–dates, names, places, etc. if you have to). Use transitional phrases like “for example,” “on the other hand,” etc. </p>
<p>To improve handwriting quickly and cheaply, just get some handwriting practice books–the kind homeschooled kids use.</p>