The scoring criteria for the 2026 US Middle School Chinese Language Essay are designed to evaluate the students' proficiency in language skills, content understanding, and writing ability. These criteria typically include the following aspects:

1. Language Skills: This includes grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. The essay should demonstrate correct grammar usage, appropriate vocabulary, and coherent sentence construction.

2. Content Understanding: The essay should show a clear understanding of the topic, with relevant details and examples. The content should be relevant to the prompt and demonstrate critical thinking.

3. Organization and Structure: The essay should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The organization should be logical, with a clear progression of ideas.

4. Cohesion and Coherence: The essay should be cohesive, with smooth transitions between ideas. The coherence should be maintained throughout the text.

5. Creativity and Originality: The essay should show creativity in expressing ideas and originality in the approach to the topic.

6. Spelling and Punctuation: The essay should be free of spelling errors and have correct punctuation.

The scoring criteria are based on the Common Core State Standards for Language and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, which emphasize the importance of critical thinking, communication, and language proficiency. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), students who score higher on these criteria tend to have better overall language skills and are more likely to succeed in higher education and the workforce.