School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Item
Brief Constructed Response Item for Grade 6

Standard 2.0 Comprehension of Informational Text

Topic A. Comprehension of Informational Text

Indicator 5. Analyze purposeful use of language

Objective a. Analyze specific words or phrases that contribute to the meaning of a text

Assessment limits:

  • Significant words and phrases (e.g., figurative language, idioms, etc.) in the text or a portion of the text
  • Connotations of grade-appropriate words in context
  • Denotations of above-grade-level words in context
Read the story 'Saints and Strangers on the Ship of Hope' and answer the following question.

Compare the way the Saints and Strangers describe the events of the voyage to the way the author describes them. In your response, use information from the article that supports your answer. Write your answer on your answer document.


Sample Student Response #1

image of student response

Annotation: The reader focuses on the similarities between the Saints and Strangers rather than comparing the views of these groups with the views of the author. The reader explains both groups say "it is bad expeirience and it was uncomfertobla." To improve this response the reader could explain why it was a bad experience and how it was uncomfortable and continue to describe the author's view of the voyage.


Sample Student Response #2

image of student response

Annotation: The reader responds with "the ways the Saints and the Strangers describe the events" and then continues to state facts from the article, the name of the ship, the length of the voyage, and the condition of the food. To improve this response the reader could add to the author's descriptions with the condition of the water and the living conditions on board ship. The passengers' descriptions could be addressed with ideas from William Bradford, Robert Cushman, and other unnamed passengers.


Sample Student Response #3

image of student response

Annotation: The reader compares the views of the passengers and the author by stating they are "saying the same thing but in different words." The reader identifies how a reader can tell when the Saints and Strangers were speaking through the use of quotation marks. To improve this response, the reader explains what the "different words" described with the examples of the danger of storms and the incident of the man who fell overboard.


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