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 3.0 Knowledge of Measurement

Topic B. Measurement Tools

Indicator 1. Measure in customary and metric units

Objective a. Measure length of objects and pictures of objects using a ruler, a tape measure, a yardstick, or a meter stick

Assessment limit: Use a ruler and the nearest centimeter or ½ inch

Selected Response Item

What is the length of the line, to the nearest centimeter?

line

  1. 2 centimeters
  2. 3 centimeters
  3. 4 centimeters
  4. 5 centimeters
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_3_018.xml

Correct Answer:
D

Selected Response Item

Measure the height of the can to the nearest inch.

can

  1. 2 inches
  2. 2 inches
  3. 3 inches
  4. 4 inches
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_3_019.xml

Correct Answer:
D

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item

Look at the stapler.

stapler

Step A

What is the length of the stapler to the nearest 1/2 inch?

Step B

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

/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_3_020.xml

Correct Answer:
Step A
31/2 inches

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Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item

Casey used this giant paper clip to hold her papers together.

paper clip

Step A

What is the height of the paper clip to the nearest centimeter?

Step B

Explain how you found your answer.
Use what you know about measurement in your explanation.
Use words and/or numbers in your explanation.

/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_3_021.xml

Correct Answer:
Step A
9 cm

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