Question

Read the paragraph.

In normal years, the trade winds cause colder, nutrient-rich waters to rise to the surface. This process is called 'upwelling.' When the cold water rises, it supports a tiny fish called plankton, which feeds all kinds of larger fish species. During El Nino years, however, due to changes in pressure and the direction of trade winds, the surface layer of warm water is thicker and prevents the usual upwelling.

There are many spelling errors in this paragraph. Which scoring category would be most affected?

A. Organization

B. Audience and Purpose

C. Usage

D. Elaboration​

Answer 1

Spelling errors in the paragraph would most affect the scoring category of Usage, which covers correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. (option c is the correct answer)

Step-by-step explanation:

The paragraph given discusses ocean upwelling and its importance in marine ecosystems, particularly how it affects the food chain during normal and El Niño years. Notably, the student has been asked to identify the scoring category most affected by spelling errors within the paragraph.

In this context, spelling errors would most significantly impact the category of Usage, which pertains to the correct application of language conventions such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

While other scoring categories like Organization and Elaboration are important for overall coherence and depth, spelling errors specifically fall under the domain of Usage.

Option C accurately identifies that the spelling errors would predominantly affect the Usage category, emphasizing the significance of correct spelling in maintaining clarity and precision in written communication.