School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Item
Selected Response Item for Grade 4

Standard 3.0 Comprehension of Literary Text

Topic A. Comprehension of Literary Text

Indicator 6. Determine important ideas and messages in literary texts

Objective c. Paraphrase

Assessment limit: The text or a portion of the text

Read the story 'The River'. Then answer the following.


Read this sentence from paragraph 9 of the story.

But she was secretly glad when Cory walked beside her until they reached the bridge.

What is the best paraphrase of this sentence?

  1. Cory walked with Elisa to the bridge which made her really happy.
  2. Elisa did not want Cory to know she was glad that he stayed beside her.
  3. Elisa kept her happiness to herself as she and Cory walked to the bridge.
  4. Cory stayed with Elisa on their walk but she did not show him how glad she was.

Correct Answer
B. Elisa did not want Cory to know she was glad that he stayed beside her.
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