SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED SCORING OF TEXTUAL RESPONSES TO PICTURE-BASED ITEMS

Systems and methods are provided for measuring a user's English language proficiency. A constructed response generated by a user is received, the constructed response being based on a picture. The constructed response is processed to determine a first numerical measure indicative of a presence of one or more grammar errors in the constructed response. The constructed response is processed to determine a second numerical measure indicative of a degree to which the constructed response describes a subject matter of the picture. The constructed response is processed to determine a third numerical measure indicative of a degree of awkward word usage in the constructed response. A model is applied to the first, second, and third numerical measures to determine a score for the constructed response indicative of the user's English language proficiency. The model includes first, second, and third variables with associated first, second, and third weighting factors, respectively.