Holistic, analytic, and primary-trait scoring are the three main subjective methods of evaluating writing quality. Frequently used, holistic scoring reflects a rater's overall impression of the writing, compared to other writing samples in the group. Holistic scoring is norm-referenced; that is, it provides a single score that ranks students within a particular group. Some holistic scoring methods also are criterion-referenced, using pre-determined characteristics of writing quality in the scoring process. Holistic scoring is the most economical method of scoring direct writing assignments (Scherer, 1985). One drawback to holistic scoring is that it does not provide instructional guidance for areas of concern within a writing sample.