A study examined the scoring procedure for the second part of the modular section of the English Language Testing Service (ELTS) academic writing test. The scoring is done by external raters according to procedures and a scale specified for the test, resulting in a performance profile. The report chronicles the development of the procedures and criteria, and examines the validity of the assessment technique as applied to the first item and the interrater reliability of a group of inexperienced raters. Problems and potential of this type of assessment are discussed. Appendices contain the original and revised assessment scales and the profile grid used in reporting scores. (MSE)