Writing
What Questions Are on the Test
The NAEP writing framework defines content areas and levels of complexity for questions on NAEP. Using the dashboard below, explore sample questions from recent writing assessments by subject, content area, and range of difficulty. Sample Questions are sourced from the NAEP Questions Tool, a database which houses over 3,000 assessment questions. Also explore the Writing Computer-Based Assessment tutorial, lessons learned, and download the Grade 8 writing brochure Click to open pdf.
How is Your State or District Performing?
How Results Are Reported
Academic achievement in writing is presented in two ways on The Nation's Report Card: scale scores and NAEP achievement levels.
- Scale scores represent how students performed on the writing assessment. Scores are aggregated and reported for diverse student groups for the nation, states, and districts.
- NAEP achievement levels are performance standards that describe what students should know and be able to do.
Results are reported as percentages of students performing at or above three NAEP achievement levels (NAEP Basic, NAEP Proficient, and NAEP Advanced). Students performing at or above the NAEP Proficient level on NAEP assessments demonstrate solid academic performance and competency over challenging subject matter. It should be noted that the NAEP Proficient achievement level does not represent grade level proficiency as determined by other assessment standards (e.g., state or district assessments).
Item maps illustrate how specific writing knowledge and skills correspond to different NAEP achievement levels. Item maps answer the question, "What does it mean for students to be at NAEP Basic, NAEP Proficient, or NAEP Advanced in terms of what they know and can do?"
Last updated 06 August 2025 (AA)