Not to scale? An argument-based inquiry into the validity of an L2 writing rating scale

In second language (L2) writing, rating scales are often used to measure a variety of discourse and linguistic features. When developing scales, the scoring criteria need to provide a clear and credible basis for scoring judgments, as well as for differentiating levels of writing performance (Weigle, 2002). Often times, the criteria used to evaluate the L2 writing of students at intensive English programs (IEPs) are adopted from textbooks or...