School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Item
Brief Constructed Response Item for Grade 5

Standard 1.0 Knowledge of Algebra, Patterns, and Functions

Topic B. Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Indicator 2. Identify, write, solve, and apply equations and inequalities

Objective a. Represent relationships by using the appropriate relational symbols (>, <, =) and one operational symbol (+, -, ×, ÷ with no remainders) on either side

Assessment limit: Use whole numbers (0 – 400)

On Monday, 32 people went to the park before noon. In the afternoon, 24 more people came. On Tuesday, 26 people came to the park before noon. In the afternoon, 29 more people came.

Step A

Write a number sentence showing the relationship between the number of people at the park on Monday and the number of people at the park on Tuesday.

Step B

Explain why your answer is correct.
Use what you know about number relationships in your explanation.
Use words and/or numbers in your explanation.


Step A is scored 0 (Incorrect) or 1 (Correct) and assesses 1.B.2.a.
Step B is scored with a 3 point (0, 1, 2) rubric and assesses Processes of Mathematics.

Correct Answer
Step A
32 + 24 > 26 + 29 or 56 > 55
Answer Annotation

Sample correct response: I added 32 + 24 and got 56. I added 26 + 29 and got 55. Since 56 > 55, 32 + 24 > 26 + 29.

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Rubric
Print: Scoring Rubric

Score 2

The response demonstrates a complete understanding and analysis of a problem.

  • Application of a reasonable strategy in the context of the problem is indicated.
  • Explanation1 of and/or justification2 for the mathematical process(es) used to solve a problem is clear, developed, and logical.
  • Connections and/or extensions made within mathematics or outside of mathematics are clear.
  • Supportive information and/or numbers are provided as appropriate. 3

Score 1

The response demonstrates a minimal understanding and analysis of a problem.

  • Partial application of a strategy in the context of the problem is indicated.
  • Explanation1 of and/or justification2 for the mathematical process(es) used to solve a problem is partially developed, logically flawed, or missing.
  • Connections and/or extensions made within mathematics or outside of mathematics are partial or overly general, or flawed.
  • Supportive information and/or numbers may or may not be provided as appropriate.3

Score 0

The response is completely incorrect, irrelevant to the problem, or missing.4

Note 1:

Explanation refers to students' ability to communicate how they arrived at the solution for an item using the language of mathematics.

Note 2:

Justification refers to students' ability to support the reasoning used to solve a problem, or to demonstrate why the solution is correct using mathematical concepts and principles.

Note 3:

Students need to complete rubric criteria for explanation, justification, connections and/or extensions as cued for in a given problem.

Note 4:

Merely an exact copy or paraphrase of the problem will receive a score of "0".

Rubric Document Date: August 2003

/share/rubrics/msa/mathematics/xml/bcr.xml
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_5_023.xml