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 5.0 Knowledge of Probability

Topic B. Theoretical Probability

Indicator 1. Determine the probability of one simple event comprised of equally likely outcomes

Objective a. Express the probability as a fraction

Assessment limit: Use a sample space of no more than 6 outcomes

Selected Response Item

You roll a six-sided number cube with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 dots on a side.

What is the probability of rolling the side with one dot?


  1.  

  2.  

  3.  
  4. 1
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_4_009.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item

Todd and Harry are playing a game using a number cube with the numbers 1 to 6. Todd needs to roll a 4 to win. What is the probability that Todd rolls a 4 on his next roll?

  1. 1/3
  2. 1/4
  3. 1/5
  4. 1/6
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_4_014.xml

Correct Answer:
D

Selected Response Item

You have flipped a penny 10 times and it has landed on heads every time. When you flip the penny the next time, what are your chances of the penny landing on heads?

  1. 1/2
  2. 1/10
  3. 2/1
  4. 10/1
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_4_015.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item

Mary has 6 jelly beans in a bag. She has 3 red, 1 green, 1 black, and 1 yellow. She chooses a jelly bean without looking.

Step A

What is the probability that Mary picks a red jelly bean?

Step B

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

/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_4_016.xml

Correct Answer:
Step A
3/6 or any other equivalent.

View Scoring Information
Resources for Objective 5.B.1.a:
Clarifications | Thinking Skills | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS |