A method for assigning a summary score to a product performance or work sample based on a prior analysis that defined the key traits dimensions or characteristics possessed by the class of objects being scored. The object is scored independently against each dimension and a summary score is calculated following a set formula. The summary score may be a simple total (or average) across dimensions a weighted total or a more complex algorithm. An example might be the scoring of a piece of persuasive writing on such traits as attention to audience correct use of grammar and punctuation focus on the topic and persuasiveness of argument.