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 1. Write and evaluate expressions

Objective c. Evaluate numeric expressions using the order of operations

Assessment limit: Use no more than 4 operations (+, -, x, ÷ with no remainders) with or without 1 set of parentheses or a division bar and whole numbers (0-100)
Note: Highlighted assessment limits will be tested in the no calculator section of MSA.

Selected Response Item
Note: This problem is solved without a calculator.

Look at the expression below.
12 + 4 x (12 - 9)

What is the value of the expression?

  1. 24
  2. 48
  3. 51
  4. 55
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_6_001.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item

Look at the expression below.

36 ÷ 3 + 6 x 2

What is the value of the expression?

  1. 2
  2. 8
  3. 24
  4. 36
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_6_015.xml

Correct Answer:
C

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Selected Response Item
Look at the expression below.

Which expression has a value of 24?

  1. 6 + 2 x 3
  2. 2 x 3 + 6 x 2
  3. 4 (2 + 4)
  4. 3 (7 + 3)
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_6_016.xml

Correct Answer:
C

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Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item

Look at the expression below.

90 - 48 ÷ 6 + 2

Step A

What is the value of this expression?

Step B

Explain why the value you determined is correct. Use what you know about order of operations in your explanation. Use words, numbers, and/or symbols in your explanation.

/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_math_6_017.xml

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Resources for Objective 1.B.1.c:
Clarifications | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS |