“Score” vs. “Grade”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “score” and “grade”

  • Scores are usually based on individual assignments or tests, while grades reflect an overall performance over an extended period of time.
  • Scores are often expressed as numerical values, while grades are most commonly given as letters.
  • Scores can be objective or subjective, while grades are typically assigned using a standard grading scale.
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What is the definition of “score” and “grade”?

Score
  • A score refers to the number of points or marks earned by an individual on a particular test or assignment.
  • It is used to measure the level of achievement or performance of an individual.
  • Scores can be objective (such as in a multiple-choice test) or subjective (such as in an essay).
Grade
  • A grade refers to a classification or evaluation given to an individual based on their performance over a period of time.
  • It is usually assigned by an educational institution and reflects the level of understanding and mastery exhibited by the student.
  • Grades are usually assigned using letters, such as A, B, C, D, or F, and are used to determine eligibility for further education or employment.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Score” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Score
1,590,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. She managed to score a perfect 100 on her math test.
  2. The basketball game ended with a score of 80 to 75 in favor of the home team.
  3. His high score on the arcade game earned him a free round.
Grade
1,380,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The teacher assigned a failing grade to students who did not complete the final project.
  2. She was relieved to see that she received a passing grade on her research paper.
  3. The university uses a 4-point grading scale to evaluate student performance.
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