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 3. Use elements of narrative texts to facilitate understanding

Objective e. Identify and explain relationships between and among characters, setting, and events

Assessment limit: In the text or a portion of the text or across multiple texts

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


Which of these details is most important to the plot of this story?

  1. Cory takes his sister by the hand as they walk.
  2. Minnie likes to play hide and seek.
  3. Elisa removes her coat and places it on the ice.
  4. Cory tells his sister that she is smart.

Correct Answer
C. Elisa removes her coat and places it on the ice.
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