School Improvement in Maryland

Public Release Item: Public Release items have appeared on HSA forms and then are released for public viewing and use. Releasing items is one step to ensuring that schools, districts, and other stakeholders understand how the core learning goals are assessed on the HSA.

Goal 2 Composing in a Variety of Modes

Expectation 2.2 The student will compose texts using the prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing strategies of effective writers and speakers.

Indicator 2.2.5 The student will use suitable traditional and electronic resources to refine presentations and edit texts for effective and appropriate use of language and conventions.

Assessment Limits:

  • Using resources to select and use appropriate language
    • avoiding the use of trite expressions and clichés
    • using smooth and informative transitions
    • arranging parallel elements appropriately and effectively
    • selecting appropriate use of active or passive voice
    • selecting an appropriate word for a given purpose

Selected Response Item - Released in 2005

Yuri is writing an article for the school paper about science in the classroom. The draft of Yuri's article requires revisions and edits. Read the draft. Then answer the following.

Yuri found the information below in a language handbook.

Avoid vague words and phrases that are not exact enough to be effective in writing.

According to this information, which sentence should be revised?

  1. Sentence 3
  2. Sentence 4
  3. Sentence 7
  4. Sentence 10
/share/clg/xml/public_release/english/2005_225_eng05.xml

Correct Answer:
D

Selected Response Item - Released in 2007

Students in an art appreciation class conducted research and wrote about different ways of creating art. Richard wrote an article about a Baltimore sculptor. The draft of Richard’s article, “A Spoon Reborn,” requires revisions and edits. Read the draft. Then answer the following:

Richard found the information below in a language handbook.

Avoid including overused expressions in your writing, such as play it by ear, time will tell, or in the nick of time.

According to this information, which sentence should be revised?

  1. Sentence 2
  2. Sentence 6
  3. Sentence 8
  4. Sentence 14
/share/clg/xml/public_release/english/2007_225_eng03.xml

Correct Answer:
D
Resources for 2.2.5:
PUBLIC RELEASE ITEMS | Sample Assessment Items |