This full-color publication uses a tabloid format to present highlights from the National Assessment of Educational Progress 2002 writing assessment. It describes assessment content; presents major findings as average scale scores and as percentages of students scoring at or above achievement levels for the nation, at grades 4, 8, and 12; shows results for participating states and other jurisdictions at grades 4 and 8; and discusses the performance of selected subgroups defined by gender and race/ethnicity. This publication also includes sample assessment writing tasks and student responses in narrative, informative, and persuasive writing modes. (RS)