I don't know. This (a sample from the 2011 10th grade MCAS) seems like something a high school graduate ought to be able to do (more here (http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2011/release/default.html)). It doesn't seem to be asking too much. Some sample responses are here (http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/student/2011/question.aspx?GradeID=10&SubjectCode=ela&QuestionID=15454#). A 4 for topic development and a 3 for English put kids on the road to pass. I'm not an expert, but these are certainly things I'd expect MY kids to be able to do before graduating high school. Shouldn't we expect a minimum from all graduates?
WRITING PROMPT
Often in works of literature, a character stands up for something he or she believes in. From a work of literature you have read in or out of school, select a character who stands up for something he or she believes in. In a well-developed composition, identify the character, describe how the character stands up for something he or she believes in, and explain how the character’s actions relate to the work as a whole.
Somerville's MCAS scores
WRITING PROMPT
Often in works of literature, a character stands up for something he or she believes in.
From a work of literature you have read in or out of school, select a character who stands up for something he or she believes in. In a well-developed composition, identify the character, describe how the character stands up for something he or she believes in, and explain how the character’s actions relate to the work as a whole.