School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Item
Selected Response Item for Grade 8

Standard 3.0 Comprehension of Literary Text

Topic A. Comprehension of Literary Text

Indicator 6. Analyze and interpret important ideas and messages in literary texts

Objective a. Analyze main ideas and universal themes

Assessment limits:

  • Of the text or a portion of the text
  • Experiences, emotions, issues, and ideas in a text that give rise to universal themes
Read the poem 'Grandmother'. Then answer the following.

Which sentence best states an important theme in this poem?

  1. Intelligence is a gift.
  2. Respect for nature is necessary.
  3. Caring for a family is admirable.
  4. Living for a long time is difficult.

Correct Answer
C. Caring for a family is admirable.
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