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 2.0 Comprehension of Informational Text

Indicator 5. Identify and explain the author's use of language

Objective a. Identify and explain specific words or phrases that contribute to the meaning of a text

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item
Read the article 'Protecting the Pandas' and answer the following question.

The author says that giant pandas are "special creatures." Explain whether the word special is a good word to use to describe the giant panda. In your response, use information from the article that supports your answer. Write your answer on your answer document.

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Resources for Objective 2.A.5.a:
Lesson Seeds | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS |