Which factor can affect proper scoring of students' written tests?

The legibility of students' handwriting significantly impacts the proper scoring of written tests. When handwriting is difficult to read, it can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the responses, which may ultimately affect the scoring process. Clarity is essential for accurately assessing a student's knowledge and understanding of the material. If an evaluator struggles to decipher what a student has written, it can result in a lower score than what the student might deserve, potentially misrepresenting their true comprehension of the subject matter.

While learning objectives, students' preparation, and the use of realistic scenarios also play important roles in assessing student performance and understanding, they do not directly impact the mechanical process of scoring as handwriting does. Each of these factors contributes to how well a student may articulate their knowledge on the test, but if the handwriting is not clear, the evaluator cannot accurately grade the content presented. Thus, legibility of handwriting is crucial for achieving appropriate and fair scoring in written assessments.