What should be the primary focus when using a holistic rubric to score a writing assignment?

When using a holistic rubric to score a writing assignment, the primary focus is on assessing the overall structure and quality of the piece as a unified whole. Holistic rubrics are designed to provide a singular score reflecting the performance across multiple dimensions of writing rather than isolating specific components. This method prioritizes the overall impression and effectiveness of the writing, considering how well the ideas are communicated, the coherence of the text, and the writer's voice, among other elements.

In holistic scoring, the aim is to capture the general quality and strength of the writing rather than pinpoint individual criteria like vocabulary or mechanics. This approach helps educators evaluate how well a student conveys their thoughts collectively, which is essential in real-world writing scenarios where holistic understanding is often more relevant than the isolated assessment of components.