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

Assessment limit: Use whole numbers (0 – 400)

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item

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.

/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_5_023.xml

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

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