School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Reading/ELA, Grade 6

Reading/ELA | Informational | Literary | Writing | Language | Listening | Speaking

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 State Curriculum 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 Comprehension of Literary Text

Indicator 8. Read critically to evaluate literary texts

Objective a. Determine and explain the plausibility of the characters' actions and the plot

Assessment limit: In the text or a portion of the text

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item
Read this passage from 'The Coastwatcher', a novel that takes place during World War II when the United States was at war with Germany. Then answer the following.
Explain how the author makes Hugh and his mother seem like real people. In your response, use details from the passage that show how Hugh and his mother seem like real people. Write your response on the lines below.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_026.xml

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Constructed Response (CR) Item
Read the play 'The Weeping Willow Wedding Day'. Then answer the following.

Explain whether the events in this play seem believable. In your response, use details from the play that support your explanation. Write your response on the lines below.

/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_062.xml

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Resources for Objective 3.A.8.a:
Lesson Seeds | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS |