School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Assessments: Each sample assessment item gives an idea of how an assessment item on the MSA might be presented. The items appropriately measure the content of the VSC and may be formatted similarly to those appearing on the MSA; however, these are sample items only and have not appeared on any MSA form.

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 using appropriate relational symbols (<, >, or =) and operational symbols (+, -, ×, ÷) on either side

Assessment limit: Use operational symbols (+ or -) and whole numbers (0 – 1000)

Selected Response Item

On the first day of school at Bridge Elementary, 65 third graders arrived on time and 18 third graders arrived late. At Dale Elementary School, 68 students arrived on time and 17 arrived late. Which number sentence represents the relationship between the number of third graders at Bridge Elementary and the number of third graders at Dale Elementary?

  1. 65 + 18  <  68 + 17
  2. 65 + 18  >  68 + 17
  3. 65 + 18  <  68 - 17
  4. 65 - 18  >  68 - 17
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_3_031.xml

Correct Answer:
A